Out For Undergrad

Admissions Director

November 2019 • New York City, NY

What I liked

O4U puts its money where its mouth is: the team is constantly soliciting and incorporating student feedback regarding their conferences, as well as living up to its standard of cultural awareness and authenticity. I started as a 2016 Marketing Conference attendee and became an Admissions Director in 2019. Over the course of my involvement with this organization, I have built my professional network, gained invaluable skills in non-profit management, and made life-long friends.

What I wish was different

Advice

Whether you are a student conference attendee, a conference volunteer, or a Director, your association with this organization can take you as far as you are willing to go. The professional resources offered to affiliates are second-to-none. If you work hard, the opportunities available to you are almost limitless.

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Campus Ambassador

March 2019 • Minneapolis, MN

What I liked

The community I found at the conference and volunteering as a campus ambassador. This experience really made me feel like I had a home in both the marketing and queer community.

What I wish was different

A little more flexibility in the conference schedule to allow for more networking time with other students. There were some great events, but some time to just mingle with other students at the beginning of the conference would have been great.

Advice

Be your most authentic self because if someone doesn't accept you for who you are, that's their problem, not yours.

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Conference Attendee

October 2016 • Chicago, IL

What I liked

Attending O4U Marketing Conference allowed me to connect with employers while immersed in an environment where I could be 100% myself. For LGBTQ+ undergraduates, attending a professional conference in a completely LGBTQ+ setting is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

What I wish was different

Advice

No matter where you are in your job search or in your personal journey, apply to O4U. The staff is discreet, the opportunities are amazing, and the people you will meet during this weekend will change your life.

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Campus Ambassador

February 2020 • New York City, NY

What I liked

O4U Engineering 2019 was an incredible conference! There were a lot of supportive resources and professional development & career/recruiting opportunities. I made a lot of friends and had a lot of wonderful conversations with new people. Being a Campus Ambassador for O4U allows me to talk about my conference experience and encourage other students to apply! I've enjoyed meeting the Admissions Directors, and they're very responsive and helpful.

What I wish was different

Wish I had taken more advantage of the professional development and career opportunities at the conference. There are so many recruiters and employees from big companies there who are happy to talk about their experiences!

Advice

Apply!

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Conference Attendee

October 2019 • New York City, NY

What I liked

The different speakers, specifically the industry sessions, because they gave another perspective on the field and what work means for the queer community by the queer community. Hearing their story and how they got to where they are was very inspiring and reminds you that anything is possible, especially with the O4U community behind your back!

What I wish was different

More chances to talk to the other students and bond a bit more, especially with mentor groups.

Advice

Take advantage of every opportunity that O4U provides! Whether its the career fair, panelists, or the opportunity to communicate with other professionals, there are great opportunities for everyone.

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Conference Attendee

October 2019 • San Jose, CA

What I liked

It was such an amazing experience. It was the first place where I felt like I could truly be, where I was in a place where I didn't have to explain myself. To be in an environment where every person that I met was queer and also interested in Tech, it was really something I had never experienced before. The programming and mentors were also phenomenal, as it was clearly evident that they actually wanted to support us.

What I wish was different

Honestly, just more opportunities to meet more of the people! There were so many unique individuals that I wish I got to know more.

Advice

Pour yourself into the 2-3 days that you are there and do AS MUCH as you can. You won't regret it.

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Campus Ambassador

March - October 2019 • San Diego, CA

What I liked

O4U's Marketing Conference was the first event/conference where I felt fully welcomed, understood, and valued. All of O4U's programming is tailored to LGBTQ+ identities, which prompted enriching conversations on topics like authenticity in the workplace. Plus, you get to hear from influential queer speakers like Jacob Tobia!

What I wish was different

Advice

If your major doesn't perfectly correlate with the conference type (e.g. marketing), still apply! I'm a Business Management major and attended the O4U's Marketing Conference in 2018 & 2019. O4U first exposed me to various marketing terminology and career paths. I recommend applying if you're eager to learn more about marketing, sales, communications, or even public relations!

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