How can I craft an elevator pitch?

An elevator pitch is a brief, professional introduction that summarizes who you are, what you’re studying, what experiences or skills you bring, and what opportunities you’re seeking. Think of it as your personal introduction that helps start meaningful conversations with employers, alumni, faculty, and other professionals.

Whether you’re attending a job & internship fair, information session, networking event, or other career-related program, a strong elevator pitch can help you make a positive first impression and build professional connections. The goal is not to tell your entire story, but to spark a conversation and leave others wanting to learn more about you.

Building Your Pitch

Fill in the below to develop your pitch.

• “I am a Brooklyn College Student studying _______. My GPA is ________.”
  • You can skip the GPA part if you feel you should (if it is low or otherwise not necessary to mention).
• “I expect to graduate in: ________.”
• Depending on your situation, you could include information about what you are doing at the moment, or if you are in between opportunities:
  • “Currently I am”/Recently I have been:
    • List your current position and employer, or most recent position and employer.
    • “exploring opportunities for an internship/summer position/job as a _______.”

• You can name skills you have developed from your experience, and you can name a highlight or impressive project that you have most recently completed.

Tips for Success

• Focus on your strengths and accomplishments.
• Keep your pitch conversational and concise (about 30-60 seconds).
• Avoid negative language or discussing weaknesses.
• Practice your pitch so it sounds natural rather than memorized.
• Be prepared to ask follow-up questions and continue the conversation.

Here is a sample elevator pitch:

“My name is John Doe. I am a Senior English Major in the School of Humanities in Brooklyn College. I expect to graduate this Spring. Currently, I am finishing an internship with ABC Publishing Company, where I helped develop an equitable system to help younger authors reach wider audiences for their work. I am hoping to find a permanent position where I can use my skills in English academia and my repertoire for innovation to help create a broader population in the publishing industry.”