Elevator Pitch
Perfect Yours & Make A Great Impression
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What Is An Elevator Pitch & Why You Need One
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What to Include In Your Pitch
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Elevator Pitch Template
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Examples of Student Elevator Pitches
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Elevator Pitch Training Videos
What Is An Elevator Pitch & Why YOU Need One
You never know when you’ll find yourself in a networking situation, so it’s good to be prepared wherever you go. You can do this by developing an elevator pitch.
An elevator pitch is a brief overview of your professional and educational accomplishments and information relevant to your skills and career goals. You use it when you introduce yourself to people in networking situations and career fairs or answer the interview question, “tell me about yourself.” It’s also your professional summary on your resume and LinkedIn profile.
In essence, an elevator pitch is a 30-60 second “commercial” about you.
What to Include in Your One-Minute Pitch
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Who you are, plus a credential. Your name and something that differentiates you from your peers (major/degree, athlete, veteran) and/or establishes a relationship (from the same home town, etc.).
2
Your specific goal/career interest. This will allow that person to help you or possibly connect you to someone who can.
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How you have demonstrated your interest. Demonstrate your interest and experience in the field with examples of things you have already completed. Don’t just say “I have always wanted be a doctor,” but rather “I have taken pre-med courses and volunteered at the hospital”.
4
Why you are qualified. Demonstrate your qualifications by sharing leadership and work experience, achievements, expertise, skills and strengths.
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A question or request for assistance. Consider giving the person two options for ways they may be of assistance. For example, “If your company offers internships, I would appreciate the name of the person in charge of that program, or perhaps I could meet with you in person to find out more about your organization and opportunities in the marketing profession.” Be sure to offer each contact your business card for future reference.
Craft YOUR Pitch
- Hello, my name is ____________ and I am a __________ completing a ____________ degree at ____________ with a minor in ____________.
- I am interested in a career in (or position as a) ____________ in the ____________ field (industry).
- I have been involved (during college) in ____________.
- And developed skills in ____________. I have also had an internship position (employment) as a ____________ with ____________ and discovered that I really enjoy ____________.
- Could you tell me more about ____________.
Examples of Student Elevator Pitches
“In December, I will graduate from Benedict College with a bachelor’s degree in computer science. I just completed a 3-month internship with the ABC Company where I had the opportunity to put what I learned into practice. Specifically, I worked with two software engineers to write code for a new software release. Right now, I am looking for an entry-level position in programming.”
“I am currently a Junior at Voorhees College studying Accounting. Through my coursework, I have developed a broad understanding of business finance and realized that I really enjoy working with numbers. I am interested in an internship in finance or accounting to further develop my skills.”
“I’m a marketing major at Claflin University. As one of the top 10 students in my class, I’ve tutored freshmen and sophomores in introductory marketing and communications courses. My focus is on social media and public relations. I am looking for an internship where my creativity and communication skills would be an asset.”