The Fall 2016 Career Fair is upon us and we want to make sure you are prepared! One way to make sure you make a great impression on employers: a well-rehearsed elevator pitch.
An “elevator pitch” is a 30-second speech that summarizes who you are, what you do, and why you would be a perfect candidate for a company or organization. A well-crafted elevator pitch is perfect for career fairs, networking events, and interviews.
It’s called an elevator pitch because the decision-maker may only give you the time that it would take to get from the reception to the executive floor to pitch yourself to them, so you’ve got to get it out fast!
Don’t know where to begin with your elevator pitch? Here are some tips:
A good elevator pitch answers the questions:
1. Who are you?
2. What do you do?
3. What are you looking for?
Here’s an example of how to start off:
“My name is ____ and I’m currently studying _______ at the University of Pittsburgh. One of my greatest strengths is __________ and I’m interested in _______.”
Then, go into what you’re looking for: a specific position, experience, or advice from the potential employer.
You should aim to answer the core questions in the first 15 seconds and be prepared to spend the next 15 seconds giving details about your unique skills or specific ways you can help a potential employer.
And remember, you always want to end your introduction by asking for contact information in order to build a professional relationship!
You’ve probably heard that things will be a little different for this year’s Fall Career Fair! The two biggest changes are the dates and location. The Fall 2016 Career Fair is scheduled for two consecutive weeks in a row – September 28 & 29 and October 5 & 6. The fair will run from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. each day. To learn which day(s) you’ll want to attend, keep on reading!
Last year: One-day fair
This year: Four-day fair
September 28 & 29 are dedicated to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math majors.
October 5 & 6 are dedicated to the Business, Humanities, and Social Science majors.
Last year: Fall Career Fair was located at the Petersen Events Center
This year: Fall Career Fair is located at the William Pitt Union
CLICK HERE to Register for the Fall Career Fair!
By registering for the Fall Career Fair, you are eligible for Express Check-in, allowing you to pick up your name badge at CDPA’s front desk, 200 WPU, between noon and 8 p.m. on Sept. 26 and 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sept. 27, and enter the Fair without having to check-in onsite. Or, you can go directly to the onsite Express Check-in table at the Fall Career Fair to pick up your badge and avoid the long lines!
Be sure to register by noon on Friday, September 23! The site will be closed after that time.
There are few skills that will bring more opportunity into your life than the ability to speak well in public. Below are tips that can make the difference between those speakers who leave a powerful, positive impression and those that are quickly forgotten:
What to Expect at the Summer Job & Internship Fair, As Told by Pitt's Internship Associates
We caught up with Pitt's Internship Associates, Allie Zalar and Sam Musselman, to prep for the Summer Job & Internship Fair on Thursday, April 14 from 1-4 p.m.!
Why should students attend the SJIF?
The Summer Job and Internship Fair is a great opportunity for students to explore options for summer employment. Whether you are looking for a job to make some money alongside taking classes, or searching for an internship to gain valuable experience within your career interests, there are still many employers in Pittsburgh looking to hire!
Awesome! Give us some recommendations for what to wear – business? Business casual?
This fair is more casual than some of our other career fairs. I would recommend wearing good pants and a nice shirt, but dressing professionally is not necessary for this fair.
What is your most important piece of advice for students attending the fair?
I would recommend going to the fair with a good idea of what you are looking for. Know what type of position you are seeking and make your summer plans clear to the employer. Also, bring a good attitude and a smile. If you act like you want to be there, you’ll have a much greater chance of landing the job or internship.
Do you have to register to attend the fair?
Nope, registration is not required. If you are a Pitt student or alumni stop by the Union on Thursday April 14th from 1-4 p.m. to gain access to the fair.
How many employers are attending the fair?
So far there are over 80 employers attending the fair. (click here for an updated list of registered employers!)
Why is it important to have a summer internship?
Summer internships allow students to gain valuable experience and make them more marketable to employers in an increasingly competitive job market. It is also a chance to build your professional network. With over 90% of recent graduates using networking during their job search, expanding your network can only help you in the future.
Thank you, Allie and Sam!
Additional questions about internships, job search, or the Summer Job & Internship Fair? Stop by Internship Team walk-in hours at 200 WPU from 1-3 p.m. on Monday-Friday or email Allie at [email protected] or Sam at [email protected]!
Jason Davison will graduate in 2016 with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Minors in Spanish and Linguistics from the University of Pittsburgh. He currently serves as a House Manager at the William Pitt Union Building on campus as well as serves as the Secretary and Social Chair of Omicron Delta Kappa. Jason interned abroad in Sydney, Australia! Read his interview below and learn more about his international experience:
What motivated your decision to intern abroad? How/why did you choose where to go?
I really wanted to study abroad, but I had not yet had the opportunity to do an internship or really delve into a career field I was interested in. When I was doing research into study abroad options, I found that I could do an internship abroad in addition to my study abroad program, and knew that was the best choice for me. I ended up applying to intern abroad in Sydney, and this was for a couple of reasons. I had already been to Europe and chose to go somewhere that was growing rapidly and had a lot to offer in terms of experiences I had never had before. Sydney, as a rapidly growing cultural and economic center in Asia and Oceania, was the absolute perfect choice, in addition to being somewhere I had always wanted to visit. I actually used a bit of an unorthodox tool to pick between my last two choices. I narrowed down to interning abroad in Berlin and Sydney, and used Buzzfeed articles to find out more about what living in those cities was like from people who actually live there.
How did you find your internship? What resources did you use?
The Study Abroad program I applied for was coordinated by CAPA International Education, which also handles international internships. I applied with them and they asked for my resume, a detailed explanation of my past work experiences, a detailed explanation of my ideal career field, and they took it out of my hands. They reached out to me about a month later to let me know that they had found a company interested in interviewing me for a position with them and gave me an interview time. I researched the company and read everything I could find on them, before researching “Australian work culture” and “Australian interview etiquette” before logging on to do the cross-ocean skype interview. During the interview, we chatted about my past experiences, what I was looking to do for the internship, and what I would like to do for the future, then we talked about what the company could offer me. After the interview, I received an email from CAPA letting me know that I could accept or reject the position with them and the company’s representative would do the same. I accepted and after that, it was history.
What was your experience like? Can you share some favorite memories - and challenges?
My experience was better than I ever could have imagined it would be. I was given real responsibility at my company from the start. I was essentially a small startup’s entire human resources department for the duration of my stay in Sydney, and I had the opportunity to be exposed to a lot of different things. My position began with a lot of research, which was the right step for me. I had minimal HR experience, and even less experience with Australian HR standards. For the first two weeks, all I did was research on the Big 4 (PKMG, EY, PWC, and Deloitte) and how they hire students from universities in Australia right into their corporate programs. I didn’t know where to start because I had never been to corporate recruitment.
After almost 40 hours of research on these companies’ websites and websites like theglassdoor, and others, I created my first real accomplishment: a seventeen-slide PowerPoint on the company’s template documenting how these companies go about selecting potential future employees from their applicant pool. I was given a list of necessary entry paperwork for a variety of positions and asked to find “best practice” and up-to-date standards for each form and tailor it to fit my company’s needs. This is where I truly hit a road block. I had never heard of some of these forms, I was unfamiliar with Australian practices, and had no idea how to navigate Australia’s Department of Labor. I was able to find some of the paperwork but not all of it, so I reached out to my supervisor at my job in the states and asked her where to begin. She pointed me in the direction of some labor standards websites, and I got down to work. A week later, I presented three concise documents to my internship supervisor, one for each party, that the supervisor could print out in its entirety and have all necessary entry paperwork prepared. For the second half of my internship, I worked more closely with business operations and helping to prepare product for the consumer.
Overall my experience was exactly what I was hoping for. I worked with great people, got to experience a different work atmosphere, and got exposed to a potential career field, all while having real responsibility at my workplace and challenging myself.
What skills did you develop from your experience? Do you feel changed from your experience abroad?
I developed a lot of business smarts, I would say. I had never had an internship before, so the opportunity to work closely with business operations and human resources at a small company gave me the chance to interact with all parts of a business from sales, to product creation, to internal operations, and finally to follow through with clients. But what made it special was that I got real responsibility at the same time that I got to experience a new and very special part of the world.
Has your experience helped you get to where you are today?
Interning abroad changed my career path. I went into the experience with a couple of potential options for what I wanted to do with my life and came out of it with less. But the experience as a whole put me through a transformation with how I want to live my life. I’m more open to new experiences, more open to give anything a shot, and more willing throw myself into an experience because I know that I’ll come out the other side for the better.
Any advice for students thinking about working overseas? What are some highlights or things that you gained or changed your perspective?
Don’t freak yourself out over potential cultural differences. Do the best research you can and throw yourself into the experience. The people you’re working with will understand that you’re new to the atmosphere and forgive you for making small mistakes. I couldn’t find much on Australian workplace culture besides the fact that it is more relaxed, so I tried to forget my worry and just tread lightly until I got a feel for it. I worked closely with my supervisor for the first week and got to observe how she interacted with the other staff of my workplace and I got a feel for the atmosphere before I had to interact with others at any real depth.
Absolutely take the opportunity to work overseas. Even if you’re worried you won’t like it, there’s only one way to find out. And even if you come out the other side having hated the experience, you will be better off for it. You’ll have learned what kind of workplaces you like, it will help you on figuring out your career path, and you’ll see a different part of the world. On top of all of that, an internship abroad in any field looks great on a resume.
How has international education impacted or influenced your cultural identity?
When I went abroad, I was told that I would come back feeling like a global citizen. I wouldn’t say I feel like anything quite so cliché, but I definitely have a lot more experiences under my belt that tell me that I know how to interact with people who come from a different culture. Pitt has a lot of international students, and I no longer feel quite as uncomfortable interacting with them or approaching them to talk to them. Although global citizen feels too cliché, I would venture far enough to say that I am culturally open. I can’t wait to travel abroad or even live abroad again, and I count the days until I get that opportunity.
Is there anything else you'd like to share with us?
I went out of my way to meet Australians while we were in Sydney, and my experience was that much better for it. Although I was in a class that taught us about the history of the “global city of Sydney,” talking to Australians gave me a whole different point of view on how the city has grown, the pros and cons of living there, how different people experience the culture, and how people end up in the city. Studying abroad can leave you in a little American bubble outside in another country if you let it, so a huge piece of advice from me is to get out there and do things that are outside your comfort zone. Try new things and surprise yourself!
#StudyAbroadBecause... The World Becomes Your Classroom
Clara Dorfman is a senior majoring in philosophy and Italian at the University of Pittsburgh. She spent the summer of 2014 interning at Vatican Radio in Rome, and then the following school year studying at the University of Bologna. Before coming back to Pittsburgh this year for her final year of college, she returned to Rome for another internship, this time at the U.S. Embassy to the Holy See. After graduation, Clara’s hoping to pursue a career in international journalism, with a focus on the roles of religion and civil rights in society.
Clara (right) in Venice with her sister
What motivated your decision to go abroad? How/why did you choose where to go?
I chose to go abroad because I was eager to experience life in a different part of the world; I chose Italy because I had long been drawn to the country and its culture. I first went to Rome as an au pair for the summer – which allowed me to live with a local family, in a relatively authentic and economical way. I chose to return to Rome, and later study in Bologna during my junior year in college, because during that first summer I quickly grew to love the Italian lifestyle and language, and I couldn’t wait to get back.
What was your experience like? What is your favorite memory? What were some challenges you observed?
My experience was challenging and fun and scary and exhilarating, all in one, as I learned to embrace and find a place for myself in another part of the world. One of my favorite memories is of the first solo trip I took – to Siena, where I stayed with pilgrims at a hostel along Italy’s thousand-year-old Via Francigena. Challenges during the school year included navigating a new educational system (where exams are almost all oral, not written) and learning to care for myself outside of my native culture, and without the safety net of my family nearby.
Along the Via Francigena, an Italian pilgrimage route, with a friend.
What skills did you develop from your experience? Do you feel changed from your experience abroad?
I developed a love of independence and a confidence in my own abilities. I feel changed by my experiences abroad, yes; I don’t know quite how to answer this sort of question, though, because I feel certain that I would have grown and changed during another year in Pittsburgh, too. Nevertheless, what I probably value most from my year abroad is what I gained in knowledge of a foreign culture, and my ability to adapt in it.
Has your experience helped you get to where you are today?
Without that first summer in Rome, I don’t believe my interests would have headed in the direction they did throughout college. That is, I’m now interested in journalism, religion, and international affairs – three areas I had little knowledge of or dedicated interest in before I spent time in Italy.
What advice would you share with other students who are thinking of going abroad?
I suggest learning (at least a bit of) the language of the country you’re interested in, before you go. This will allow you to immerse yourself better in the culture, in ways that are not always obvious. Being able to walk into a grocery store and address the clerk in Italian, for example, enabled me to connect with locals on a deeper level. Even when it was obvious that I was an American or I stumbled across my words, locals genuinely appreciated the effort – and would often teach me a little grammar or vocabulary on the spot! Additionally, if your interest is in the culture of a nation itself, then I strongly suggest going through a study abroad program – such as Indiana University’s Bologna Consortial Studies Program, which I used – that provides instruction in the native tongue, in local universities, with native speakers as your classmates. Speaking and hearing the language in the classroom can be invaluable to learning about the country.
Inside the Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna, Italy
How has international education impacted or influenced your cultural identity?
I’ve both developed a greater appreciation for other cultures and grown proud of my heritage as an American throughout my experiences abroad. I like that I’ve learned to feel at ease, even at home, in a culture other than my native one – but at the same time I’ll be the first to admit that my home country will always be the most ‘comfortable’ place for me to live, in its own way!
#StudyAbroadBecause... You Deserve To See The World
Katarina Klett is a third-year chemical engineering student at the University of Pittsburgh. At school, she works as a calculus tutor in the Math Assistance Center (MAC) and as a Peer Advisor for the Swanson School of Engineering. When not at the MAC or in the engineering building, she can be found in the Adipose Stem Cell Center, where Katarina worked as a Student Researcher since the summer following her freshman year. Outside of academics, she’s actively involved in Scientists, Engineers, and Mathematicians for Service (SEMFS) and EXCEL—a club that focuses on developing underrepresented students into leaders in the STEM fields. Read on about her study abroad experience in Germany!
What motivated your decision to go abroad? How/why did you choose where to go?
I have always loved to travel and have an innate drive to learn. Surrounding yourself with an entirely new environment places you in a position with no choice but to learn.
I chose to study abroad in Germany for two reasons. I had studied in Bavaria briefly after my first year in college and was in complete awe of the country. Never had I been to a place that was so well organized and breathtakingly beautiful. Secondly, I love research. Knowing that for even just one moment, I am the only person in the world that knows a piece of information is fascinating to me. Being able to conduct research in a country that continues to be a global leader in research was a dream that I had to make happen.
What was your experience like? What is your favorite memory? What were some challenges you observed?
My experience was nothing short of amazing. I worked with an incredible team of researchers to help develop a bioreactor that will mimic the environment of the human body to promote cardiomyocyte growth from stem cells. During my experience, I was also invited to attend a conference in Heidelberg, where I was able to network with hundreds of students also conducting research. I traveled every opportunity I had, exploring a new destination almost every weekend.
My favorite memory is the weekend that my close friends and I road-tripped to Amsterdam.Never have I found the saying “Life is about the journey, not the destination” so true.
I would say that my biggest challenge was diving head first into the world of cardiovascular tissue regeneration research. With a background in chemical engineering, the only exposure that I had to bioengineering was through my research at Pitt. While the research that I had already conducted provided a strong foundation, learning about an entirely new research project is always a challenge to conquer.
What skills did you develop from your experience? Do you feel changed from your experience abroad?
Within the laboratory, I learned a plethora of new skills, ranging from technical skill sets to expanding my knowledge of the biology behind developing stem cells into cardiovascular tissue. I also developed strong personal skills, including adaptability and confidence.
My experience abroad has absolutely changed me. I am more adaptable and independent as a result of the vulnerability of a new place.
Has your experience helped you get to where you are today?
I strongly believe so. During my last few weeks abroad, I applied for an opportunity to work as a Process Engineering Co-op for Johnson & Johnson Consumer Products. After connecting with the recruiter about her experience living in Frankfurt, she kindly told me to expect an offer. I am happy to report that I did in fact receive the offer and have been employed since late September. The time that we both spent in Germany served as common ground for us to connect on and certainly removed the ‘edge’ of the interview process.
What advice would you share with other students who are thinking of going abroad?
Plan in advance. I was fortunate to secure a scholarship from the Deutscher Akademischer Austausch Dienst (DAAD) to fund my study abroad experience, but I am confident that this was due significantly to how far in advance I began my application. If you spend the time researching abroad options beforehand, you will be impressed by the number of scholarship opportunities available to help make your experience happen. Many deadlines are months before you will ever set foot in another country, and a thorough application will take dedication as well. I can promise that the time investment will be well worth it in the end for both your wallet and your peace of mind.
7 Questions with Pitt’s Internship Coordinator, Alyson Kavalukas
1. What is the Internship Prep Program?
The Internship Prep Program is a combination of four workshops and individual appointments offered to help students customize their internship or experiential learning search. Students may now even track their search progress online at internships.pitt.edu. This program is designed to help every participant to realize their strengths, understand how and where to find opportunities relevant to them, and train them to be successful in their application, interview and follow up processes.
2. How does it work?
Students begin by attending any of the 40+ programs offered per semester, or meeting with an Internship Team member during walk-ins, offered daily from 1-3 p.m. in 200 WPU.
3. Why is it important for students to have internship experience?
Experience is what employers want to see when they are seeking new hires. The better the student experiences, the better chance students have to beat out the competition for openings that are in demand. Another benefit of the program is for students to gain experience to help them make academic decisions such as selecting classes, choosing majors or certificates, etc.
4. What is your favorite thing about being the Internship Prep Program Coordinator?
Helping students to make decisions about their futures!
5. During which year should students begin to participate in the Internship Prep Program?
The earlier the better. With so many students completing internships nowadays, getting started with the IPP in your first year gives you time to line up more than one experience if you work at it.
6. What is the number one things you want students to know about the Internship Prep Program?
It is designed to help individual students to create the best possible plan of action for their personal goals. Done right, students have all the tools they need to succeed in internship and post-grad job searches.
7. What makes the Internship Guarantee at Pitt unique?
Not many schools, if any, offer a guarantee of this magnitude. We encourage all undergrads to take advantage of the tremendous resources being offered to make them the most competitive candidates in their career paths.
1. Use social media (including LinkedIn) to your advantage!
Google yourself. Don’t like what you see? Change your privacy settings so that potential employers are only seeing what you want them to and delete any incriminating posts.
Consider creating a professional Twitter account to follow industry leaders and weigh in on important topics in your job field.
Create a LinkedIn profile. Fill in your profile as completely as possible and become active on the network. This will help push your profile to the top of Google search results, which means a potential employer will see what you want them to see!
2. Assess yourself.
Employers want to know why you are a good fit for their company. Take time now to learn how your skills, values, interests, and personality influence your career choices.
Schedule an appointment to take an assessment here at the Office of Career Development and Placement Assistance and try some free online assessment tools. What you learn about yourself will help prepare you for interviews and make resume writing easier. You'll also make better decisions while in school, including choosing a major and coursework.
3. Participate in an experiential learning or volunteer activity.
Potential employers expect job candidates to have related skills and experience, not just a strong GPA. Set yourself apart from other recent graduates by participate in internships, mentoring programs, and other work-based learning experiences.
You can also participate in career-related volunteer opportunities, or part-time or summer employment related to your career.
4. Explore careers related to your degree.
Don't wait until graduation to think about the workplace! If you haven't already, research careers related to your major or program. Do you know what jobs you will be qualified for when you graduate?
To help plan your career path, conduct informational interviews with family members or family friends who work with or hire people in your desired career. Ask them if your degree program and extra-curricular experiences have prepared you for the requirements employers expect.
5. Visit the Career Development and Placement Assistance office!
Don’t wait until senior year to stop by CDPA. Figuring out where you need to go next, and how to make it there, can be overwhelming. From choosing majors, finding internships and locating employers seeking applicants in specific degree programs to exploring graduate school and preparing for a job search, CDPA can help every step of the way.
