Alumni Advice: The Elevator Pitch
Career fairs and networking events can feel intimidating, especially when you are trying to introduce yourself in a way that feels confident, natural, and memorable. To help Tommies prepare, we asked alumni on St. Thomas Connect: “What advice do you have on how to make an effective elevator pitch or professional introduction?” Their advice was clear: a strong elevator pitch is not about sounding perfect. It is about being prepared, being genuine, and creating a real connection.
1. Start with Clarity and Keep It Short
One of the most common pieces of advice alumni shared was simple: know your message and get to the point. A strong elevator pitch should quickly communicate who you are, what you are interested in, and what you bring.
You should have an elevator pitch that hits on the 3 Cs: clarity, conciseness, and confidence. Keep it short and make sure it communicates who you are, why you are interested, and what you can offer.”
Wade Kruse
Make your point first, then support it with background info. Do NOT save your point for then end. Your listener will have checked out by then.”
Thomas Huyck
2. Think Past, Present, and Future
Several alumni suggested organizing your introduction like a short story: where you have been, what you are doing now, and where you hope to go next. This helps your pitch feel natural and memorable.
Where have I been? What am I doing now? Where do I hope to go? Giving your past, present, and future creates a concise introduction with a clear narrative.”
Eshan Varma
An effective introduction is not your whole life story. It is a short, focused introduction that sparks conversation. Think about who you are, what you have done, and why you are here.”
Joseph Peters
3. Highlight What Makes You Unique
Alumni also encouraged students to move beyond generic statements. Instead of saying you want “a job in marketing” or “an internship in business,” focus on your strengths, values, or experiences and how they align with the opportunity.
Avoid generic statements. Instead of saying, ‘I am looking for a sales job,’ explain why your skills or personality make you a strong fit and ask a thoughtful question in return.
Jennifer Greenquist
Highlight what makes you unique. If you have a project, experience, or passion that defines who you are, briefly describe it and connect it to your career goals.
Paul Decelles
Be yourself. Why are you here, what are you looking for and what do you offer.”
Bill Gaier
4. Make It About Them, Not Just You
One of the biggest misconceptions about an elevator pitch is that it’s all about you. In reality, the strongest introductions focus on the other person, their needs, their organization, and how you can contribute.
Alumni emphasized that creating a meaningful connection is what makes your pitch stand out. This means going beyond listing your skills and instead showing how those skills can help solve a problem or add value.
Connect your pitch to something they care about. Create an emotional connection, whether it’s shared values, similar experiences, or a problem you can help solve. Make it about them to establish the connection, it is not about you.”
Michael Kelly
Tell the interviewer your skills, your goals, and how they align with the position and company culture. Stay calm, be persuasive, and include an example. Always keep a customer, service mindset, in every interaction.”
Austin Fallah
5. Confidence Comes from Practice
Confidence was another major theme. Alumni reminded students that confidence does not mean having a perfect script. It often comes from preparation, practice, and showing up as yourself.
Do not over-rehearse. Confidence comes from preparation, but authenticity and curiosity matter more than a perfect script.”
Neel Gupta
6. Body Language Matters Too
A strong introduction is not only about the words you choose. Alumni pointed out that eye contact, a smile, strong posture, and calm energy all shape how your message is received.
Maintain eye contact, smile, and be ready with a 30-second introduction on who you are and what you stand for. Confidence is not just in what you say, but in how you show up.”
Steven Olsen
Keep the Conversation Going
The goal of an elevator pitch is not to say everything. It is to begin a conversation. Asking a question, showing curiosity, and following up afterward can turn a quick introduction into a meaningful connection.
Whether you are introducing yourself at a career fair, talking with an alum, or meeting an employer for the first time, remember this: your pitch does not need to be perfect. It needs to be clear, genuine, and grounded in who you are.
Resume Resources for the Tommie Network
Refining your resume takes time, and you don’t need to figure it out alone. The Career Development Center is here for you! Visit Career Edge for more resume resources, including resume optimization software Jobscan. Schedule a coaching appointment via Handshake for a personalized review.
Looking for more career advice, networking support, or alumni connections? Visit St. Thomas Connect, our dedicated platform where Tommies engage, learn, and support one another. Check the “Connect → Community” tab to explore alumni by degree, industry, or topic, and continue building your confidence.
