Unit 2 Discussion: Planning Your Elevator Pitch

In previous courses in the Cybersecurity program, you have had the opportunity to research various roles in the field of cybersecurity as well as the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities that are required in those jobs. Now, you will have the chance to develop your elevator pitch.

An elevator pitch is a concise professional introduction, typically lasting between 30 to 60 seconds. A well-prepared elevator pitch serves as a valuable tool for initiating conversations with prospective employers, faculty, alumni, and various other individuals. Learn more about networking in this CareerQuest Overview Guide.

Many careers are won through networking, which requires you to have the ability to sell yourself and your personal brand. In this discussion, you will plan your elevator pitch. The plan will serve you as you move on to discussions in later units, where you will continue to develop and eventually deliver your elevator pitch. Like all the skills and competencies you have worked on in this program, the ability to sell yourself takes time and practice.

Initial Post

In a discussion post, write answers to the following questions:

• What makes you unique? (Think about the skills you have from the courses you have taken; consider achievements you have made, lessons you have learned, or failures you have progressed from.)
• What are you seeking? (Describe the type of industry, a target organization, and a role.)
• What can you offer? (State 2–3 top strengths and skills that would make you valuable to that organization. Do your research! Make sure your skills match what the organization offers.)
• What do you want a person to remember about you?

Please note if you are seeking to work in a sensitive organization that you do not wish to share, you may choose to not state the organization’s name.

Tutorial for Planning Your Elevator Pitch