Oregon State University Career Guide - Flipbook - Page 34
NETWORKING AND ELEVATOR PITCHES
Networking gives you a competitive edge in the market: 85% of job
hires are a result of networking. Your network is a web of people
you know personally, professionally or academically. You can
expand your network by meeting people and building connections
with people you know. Events like career fairs, workshops and info
sessions are great places for these interactions. When moments
like these arise, an elevator pitch — a brief introduction of yourself
and your quali昀椀cations — is helpful.
NETWORKING AT CAREER FAIRS AND EVENTS
Career fairs are valuable opportunities to 昀椀nd, meet and network with hundreds of
potential employers all in one place. Employers at career fairs aren’t just looking for
full-time hires. They are also looking for interns, summer workers, volunteers and the
opportunity to build relationships with students for future hiring needs. Learn about career
fairs and other events at career.oregonstate.edu or via Handshake.
CAREER FAIR TIPS
» Research in advance: Look up participating employers on Handshake and learn more
about companies or positions you are interested in.
» Prep your résumé: Use VMock for a virtual résumé review before a fair or work on it with
an advisor from the Career Development Center. Bring résumés with you to the fair.
» Say hello: Introduce yourself and ask questions about the companies you’re interested in.
Use your elevator pitch! Ask for a business card so you can follow up later.
» Follow up: Within 48 hours of the fair, send an email to thank the people who spoke with
you. Make your email speci昀椀c to the conversation you had and try to set up a next step,
such as a company tour, an informational interview or a job application.
ELEVATOR PITCH
Prepping an elevator pitch means
you’re prepared when you need
to introduce yourself, and it’s a
great way to answer the common
interview question, “Tell me about
yourself.” Although practicing
your pitch is helpful, remember
that it’s not a canned speech —
it’s a starting point for a two-way
conversation. Make sure to ask
questions and listen.
» Include your name, major and
year in school.
» State what you are seeking (job
or internship) and in what 昀椀eld.
» List one or two experiences
(job, internship, volunteer
service) that have strengthened
two or three of your skills.
» State what you know about
the organization, such as open
positions, ongoing projects or
organizational values.
» End by stating how interested
you are to learn more about the
organization.
SAMPLE
ELEVATOR PITCH
“Hello, my name is _______, and I’m completing a ________ degree at Oregon State University.
I’m interested in a (career/internship) in the ________ 昀椀eld/industry.
I’ve been involved in ______ and have developed skills in ______.
I have also worked as a ________ at _________ and discovered that I really enjoy ______.
Could you tell me more about _________?”
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OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY
