For the “Switch Up Your Pitch” series, I was excited to collaborate with former CSE Career Captain, Stephanie Borr ‘22, MA’23 to come up with strategies for adapting elevator pitches (value statements) according to the situation. This fourth and final installation of the series focuses on strategies for adapting elevator pitches for networking events. Make sure to check out the other parts of the series to learn about adapting your pitch for informational interviews, career fairs, and formal interviews.

– Natalie Warila, Assistant Director of Career Strategies

The “Switch Up Your Pitch” Series with Stephanie Borr ‘22, MA’23

Something I’ve learned, both in Launching Your Global Career with Marcia Katz and through my own experience, is that my elevator pitch (or value statement) should be unique to the situation I’m in, and is dependent on my mission, who I’m talking to, my current career goals, etc. 

Your elevator pitch should be constantly evolving and growing with you, but it starts with a strong foundation that includes key details about who you are – your past, your present, and your future. If you’re new to building your elevator pitch, you should check out Polish your pitch! 10 Basic rules for value statements for more information on building your basic 3 part framework.

Once you’ve built your initial elevator pitch, and have it memorized and good to go, you should start practicing adapting it according to the situation you are in (informational interview, networking event, formal interview, career fair).

You should also always keep in mind:

• Who your audience is
• Where you are in the conversation (timing)
• The message you are trying to get across and your current career goals

Let’s start with a basic pitch and see how we can adapt it according to situation, audience, and/or timing.

I’m a first year Master of Arts in International Economics and Finance candidate at Brandeis International Business School. I recently declared concentrations in Economic Analysis and Consulting because I want to refine my analytical, quantitative and modeling skills in order to pursue a career in economics. My interest in this career path began last fall when I participated in the annual NABE crisis games, where I was able to apply skills from my economics coursework and solve real world issues in collaboration with my teammates, while also refining my communication and presentation abilities. Looking forward, I hope to gain more experience utilizing my modeling skills in a professional capacity, ideally in a role that manages investment, environmental, and market risk of a financial institution. Right now I’m looking for a summer internship where I can utilize my analytical skills while contributing to the greater mission of the firm.

Pt. 4 | Switching up your pitch for networking events

1). Practice being flexible and keep it natural

If preparing your pitch for a formal interview is the most straightforward, preparing your pitch for a networking event can be the most complicated, especially if there’s no specific industry assigned to the event. 

The person you’re speaking with might work in a role or industry completely different from what you’re interested in – which absolutely does NOT mean you shouldn’t deliver some version of your pitch to them. Strong networkers know that it’s important to speak with people of various industries and backgrounds, as there is value to be found in every conversation.

Regardless of whether or not the person you’re talking to is working your dream role, you should prioritize the natural flow of conversation and keep your pitch as short and sweet (and general) as you can. 

2). Avoid asking about their hiring process

Remember that most people at a networking event aren’t recruiters or hiring managers, so avoid making those assumptions during your pitch. Your goal should be to meet new people, expand your network, and learn from other industry professionals.

Check out our networking ready pitch below:

I’m a first year Master of Arts in International Economics and Finance candidate at Brandeis International Business School. My declared concentration, and subsequent coursework, is in economic analysis and consulting. I am an active member of NABE, and last fall I participated in their annual crisis games. Right now I’m looking for a summer internship to gain more experience in that field, but as I am in the beginning stages of my career, I’m looking forward to learning from professionals working in the various industries represented tonight and would love to learn more about what you do at (company).

Or if you are speaking with someone in your field of interest, end with:

Right now I’m looking for a summer internship to gain more experience in that field, so I would love to hear directly from you about your experience working in economic consulting.

3). Finally…

Before I wrap-up each blog post in the series, I want to leave you with a few important things I learned practicing my pitch, both in Launching Your Global Career with Marcia Katz, and on my own as I adapted my pitch according to the upcoming situation: 

Smile

Be confident and composed

And always ask yourself:

• Am I speaking at an appropriate speed for people to understand me?
• Am I speaking loud enough?
• Am I making eye contact?

Make sure to check out the other parts of the series to learn about adapting your pitch for informational interviews, career fairs, and formal interviews.