Student Survival Tips for the Golf Industry Show

Welcome to “The Swamps” better know as the Golf Industry Show #GIS14 in Orlando, FL. In order to survive “The Swamps” as a student you will need to know these Top 5 Survival Guide Strategies. I know what you’re thinking, what does this guy know that I already don’t know. Well you may know some but having a refresher and a different point of view may help. I had the honor and privilege to attend one STMA conference and two GCSAA conferences (GIS). There are some things I wish I knew before attending the conference that would of helped me. So grab your swamp waders and machete and LET’S DO THIS!

Open Mind

The turf industry is forever changing. Keeping an open mind at the show will allow you to really take a look at the whole picture. The turf industry has a lot to offer for students who are coming out of school and have an open mind to try something new. If something of interest has you wondering what it would be like then use a summer internship to check things out. Which leads me into my next check mark…

Networking

Use this time at the show to talk with those in the industry. Use this time to chat with those you would be interested in interning with or possible taking a job with. This show will allow to you see all aspects of the turf industry from Superintendents, Sales, R&D, and etc. Don’t be shy with head down and tell yourself you will figure it out once school is coming to an end because by then it will be to late. Set yourself apart and be focused on what the next step is. Use the show for knowledge to move forward.

Suit and Tie

If you’re like me you are rocking out to Justin Timberlake’s song right now…No? Just me? Anyways, you want to be looking good for this conference because 1^st Impressions Are Everything! Once again set your self apart from everyone. Pull those pants up, take the hat off, and be ready to make that impression. Suit and tie is not always a must at the show but some nice dress pants and button up shirt would be a good start. Also be comfortable in your clothes so you can feel the confidence to achieve what you set out to do. (Comfortable pair of shoes is also a plus with all the walking you do!)

Notes

Having a nice note taking item is always helpful as well. You will be meeting a lot of people as well as learning a lot of things so anything you can do to take notes will help you remember when you get back to school of what occurred at the show. A good note pad in a case with pencil or pen would be great. The case will allow you to hold on to other notes or business cards you may acquire. Also if your tech savoy then bring your iPad or tablet along to take notes with, take photos, send email if need be, and follow along with the great apps that Turf Republic has suggested!

Have Fun!

Enjoy what the turf industry has to offer! Take in everything you can, learn a lot, and enjoy yourself! Talk and meet as many new people you can because you don’t know when in the future you may need to call upon them for help and advice. Don’t reinvent the wheel and learn from those who have been in it awhile. Enjoy the time spent with those who have the same passion and share ideas! Like I mentioned earlier, the turf industry is always changing, so have fun and be in know to be able to excel you to infinity and beyond. (Sorry Toy Story moment there)

I hope that you enjoyed my Survival Guide for “The Swamps”. Have fun, enjoy yourself, don’t procrastinate, and make every moment count because before you know it you will be out in the real world yourself. Happy #GIS2014 and best of luck to all for the up coming year!