Components of an Elevator Pitch

👤 Who you are

Start broad, then get specific.

My name is <Name>, and I am a student at West Virginia University majoring in <major>. I am especially interested in <concentration, career path, or focus area>.

Examples

My name is Anita Goncalves, and I am a student at West Virginia University majoring in psychology with a focus on neuroscience.

My name is Jamie Peralta, and I am a WVU engineering student working as a research assistant on a project to improve energy-efficient building materials.

🛠️ What you do

Highlight your strengths and what sets you apart.

I work with <key skills/strengths or experiences>, and I’ve developed these through <coursework, student employment, research, leadership, or internships>.

Examples

I work with data analysis and research design, and my coursework and lab experience have helped me turn complex data into clear, actionable insights.

I work with customer service and team coordination, and as a student employee, I consistently receive strong feedback for reliability and communication.

🎯 What contributions you hope to make

Connect your goals to the employer or organization.

I’m hoping to use these skills to help <organization/industry> by <solving a problem or adding value>. Long-term, I want to <career goal/impact>.

Examples

I’m hoping to use my programming skills to help organizations identify opportunities for innovation and improve efficiency.

I want to contribute to projects that expand access to education and support first-generation college students, while continuing to grow professionally.

  • Select the points that you most want the person you are meeting or interviewer, to know about you. The goal is to present your professional self, in a short, smaller way that is strategically designed to be attractive during an exchange.   
  • The goal of your pitch is to have the person or interviewer remember you, no matter how many people they hear from that day. Don’t be afraid to throw a personal touch in your last sentence. (“When I’m not swing dancing, I love studying about brain science…”) 
  • Your pitch is a great way to start an interview, especially to answer questions like “Tell me about yourself,” “How has WVU prepared you?” or the toughest question: “So… why you?” 
  • Your pitch can also be a table of contents for your conversation, and organizes “who you are,” both for you and for your interviewer.  Your interviewer may even stop you part way through your pitch to say “tell me more about this…” at which point you can simply open up and explain the situation in more detail.  
  • Write your pitch out and practice saying it out loud. Adjust it until it sounds and feels right for you.  Practice saying it smoothly, using your friends, pet or the mirror.  Keep practicing. 
  • Make eye contact.  Smile.  Fake confidence as needed.  Play the role as if you are the natural choice or as if you already work there. 
  • Revise your pitch for each situation.  For example, in one interview it will make sense to emphasize your computer programming skills, but in another you will want to emphasize your interpersonal skills.  Think strategically. 
  • Contact your WVU Career Services for an appointment to practice your pitch. 

1. General / Career Fair Version (30 seconds)

Hi, my name is [Name], and I’m a student at West Virginia University majoring in [Major]. I’m especially interested in [field/industry], and I’ve been building skills in [2–3 relevant skills or experiences, such as research, internships, leadership, or technical tools]. I’m excited about opportunities where I can contribute, continue learning, and make a meaningful impact. I’d love to learn more about your organization and how students like me can get involved.

2. Short & Confident (15 seconds)

Hi, I’m [Name], a [major] student at WVU with a strong interest in [field]. I have experience in [key skill/experience], and I’m currently looking for opportunities to grow and contribute in a professional setting.

3. Networking / Informational Interview

Hello, I’m [Name], a student at West Virginia University studying [major]. I’m exploring career paths in [industry] and working on developing skills in [specific area]. I’m really interested in learning how professionals like you got started and what advice you’d offer to students entering the field.

4. Student Employee Version

Hi, I’m [Name], a student at WVU majoring in [major]. Through my role as a student employee in [department/role], I’ve developed skills in communication, teamwork, and problem-solving while balancing academic responsibilities. I’m excited to continue growing professionally and applying what I’m learning in the classroom to real-world experiences.