How To Create Your 30 Second Elevator Pitch! | The Intern Queen

An elevator pitch is a concise professional introduction you would give to an executive you admire if you were literally in an elevator with them.

It's a great way to present yourself professionally and make a strong impression in brief networking situations.

• Being too eager and unfocused • Trying to say everything about yourself • Lacking clarity about what you want

After watching this video, you'll know how to deliver a much better, more effective elevator pitch.

• Who are you • Your background • Context (if needed) • Make the connection • Make the ask • The closeout

Each component serves a specific purpose in creating a complete, compelling pitch that engages your listener and clearly communicates your intentions.

Follow the components in order to build a logical, professional narrative that takes about 30 seconds to deliver.

These components can be adapted based on different situations, whether you're talking to someone years after college or in a professional networking setting.

Start by saying your name clearly. For example: Hi, I'm Lauren Berger.

• If in college: mention your school and major • If in career: mention your current position and company • Be specific and confident in your introduction

If you attend a lesser-known school or work for an unfamiliar company, provide brief context so the listener understands your background.

Hi, I'm Lauren Berger. I graduated from the University of Central Florida, which is in the Orlando area, and I was a PR major.

Connect what you're doing to what the person in front of you does or cares about. This shows you're engaged and respectful of their time.

You're always pitching to someone specific, whether it's literally in an elevator, on Shark Tank, or to a professor. Make that connection clear.

• Show you've researched them or their company • Explain why their work excites you • Bridge between your goals and their expertise

I know all about your PR company and I am just fascinated by it. I've read all about you.

This is the step many people skip, but it's essential. You must be clear about what you want from the interaction.

Making the ask can feel scary because you're putting yourself out there and risking rejection, but clarity is more professional than ambiguity.

• Asking for a mentorship • Requesting an internship opportunity • Asking for connection information • Requesting guidance on how to apply

I am looking for an internship for next summer. I would love to connect with you and find out how to apply and get to the top of your list.

You typically only have about 30 seconds, so you need to be ready to close out politely and naturally.

• Kill them with kindness no matter what they say • Close out in a pleasant and professional way • Express gratitude for their time

Make a commitment to follow up with them, whether through email or another method, to keep the connection alive.

Thank you so much. I'll certainly stay in touch. I'll make sure to email you right after this. So nice meeting you.

Hi, I'm Lauren Berger. So nice to meet you. I graduated from the University of Central Florida, that's in Orlando, and I was actually a PR major.

I know all about your PR company and I am just fascinated by it. I've read all about you.

I'd actually love to intern for you this summer. I've had a lot of other internships and I wanted to ask who I could contact to potentially apply for an internship with your company.

Well, thank you so much. It was so great meeting you. I'm gonna email you tonight and I definitely want to stay in touch. Thank you.