Knowing how to stand proudly, extend your hand, smile, and speak confidently is not always a given, so practicing early-on is the key. We encourage students to prepare a strong elevator pitch, in order to make the best first impression possible.
The famous “elevator pitch”- are you familiar with it?
Simon Möller (Germany) | Class of 2013 | Software Engineer at Google
The elevator pitch is a short, yet persuasive, statement that should compel whoever you are speaking to, to want to know more about you. This is how you can sell yourself in just a few sentences. The catch? It should be short enough to keep the listener’s attention, so you should be able to tell it to somebody in an elevator: about 30 seconds!
Elevator pitches are great to use when you approach potential employers, or individuals you’d like to cooperate with. By practicing your elevator pitch ahead of time, you kick the nerves you might feel just before approaching employers, because you will already know what to say.
Here are some tips on writing your own elevator pitch that could just secure your next internship:
- Always introduce yourself first: give your full name, your hand for a handshake and a pleasant remark like: "I’m pleased to meet you!"
- Summarize what you are doing and your background: What are you studying? What work experience do you have? What are your strengths? What are you focusing on? Remember, it’s not a comprehensive list of your activities but should be one to two sentences on what you do.
- Explain then what you want: if you already have a concrete position in mind, explain how you are good for the job and what the company can gain from you.
- Finally, end the pitch by asking for an interview or phone call to discuss this further. Thank the listener for their time, and maybe even send a follow-up email or a social media invitation to maintain the connection you just built!
By Daisy Juknischke-Heinsen (Dominican Republic) | Alumni and Career Services Office
