How to get the most out of your workshop

Kristie Overstreet Ph.D., LPCC, LMHC, LPC, CST

Attending a workshop is a great way to improve your clinical skills. Whether the focus of the program is to prepare you for your licensure exam or to learn new study habits, you will want to get the most out of the experience. Here are a few tips that can help you get the most out of your workshop.

Arrive early and get a good seat

The best way to start out on the day of the workshop is to arrive early. You will have extra time in case there is traffic, problems finding the location, or other issues that can occur. When you arrive sit near the front. Sitting near the front of the room will help you stay focused and give you the opportunity to participate in the discussion. You will also be less distracted.

Stay fueled

Don’t skip breakfast, bring water to stay hydrated, and have extra snacks. Listening to a presentation can be physically and emotionally draining so be sure you have snacks to help you stay fueled. Avoid sugar, so you don’t crash midway through the day. Drink plenty of water so you can remain alert and don’t skip bathroom breaks.

Introduce yourself to the presenter

Since you arrived early, you will have the chance to introduce yourself to the presenter. You will be spending a lot of time listening to them so take a few minutes to share with them what brought you to the workshop and what you hope to learn.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions

You have invested your time, money, and energy into this workshop, so you be sure to ask questions throughout the day. If it isn’t a good time to ask, write it down, then ask the presenter during the break. Don’t be timid or shy, ask so you can learn the information.

Build your network

If you are interested in the topic, then you are surrounded by other like-minded people who have similar interest. Take advantage of being in a room full of clinicians. Before the workshop starts, during breaks, and at the end be sure to introduce yourself to at least three new people. Ask them what made them decide to attend, share your contact information, and suggest that you support one another even after the workshop.

Workshop notebook

Have a notebook, binder, or notepad specifically for the workshop. Before the workshop begins identify and write three goals, you want to accomplish during the workshop. Write down all of the vital information you learn and any new ideas that you want to know more about. Keeping all of the workshop information in one place will make it easier to retrieve later.

Workshops provide a fantastic experiential opportunity to learn new material. Whether you are an auditory or visual learner, attending a workshop can help you master new skills. Workshops encourage dialogue, allow for questions and answers, and helps clinicians not feel alone on their path. AATBS offers several live workshops throughout the year to help you master your clinical exam. If you want to work smarter and not harder, choose AATBS who has years of experience assisting clinicians just like you.   

AATBS Workshops Are on the Move! Our latest workshop is in Chicago, Illinois from October 25 to 28. This engaging and comprehensive workshop offers 32 hours of test preparation and an extensive overview of the most difficult and heavily emphasized areas, current and relevant information focused on those terms and concepts which appear most frequently on the examination, critical thinking skills and testing strategies, as well as content handouts that include over 100 sample study questions.