Creating an Effective Elevator Pitch for Student-Athletes

An elevator pitch is a concise, compelling summary of who you are, what you do, and what you’re looking for, all within the span of about 30 seconds—long enough for a quick ride in an elevator. For student-athletes, crafting an effective elevator pitch can be a game-changer in networking and career development, whether you’re speaking to a potential employer, recruiter, or mentor.

Here’s how to create an elevator pitch that highlights your unique strengths as a student-athlete:

1. Start with a Hook

Begin with a strong introduction that immediately grabs attention. This could be a unique fact about your background, a key achievement, or a standout characteristic. For example: “I’m a Division I swimmer with a proven track record of leadership, discipline, and performance under pressure.”

2. Describe Your Current Role

Next, give a brief overview of your current role as a student-athlete. Highlight not just your athletic achievements, but also your academic and personal strengths. This shows the balance you maintain between athletics and academics, which is highly valued by employers. “I’m currently majoring in business administration while training 20 hours a week as part of my team’s competitive program.”

3. Highlight Your Transferable Skills

Focus on the skills you’ve gained as a student-athlete that will make you successful in a professional setting. Teamwork, leadership, communication, time management, and resilience are just a few of the skills that are highly regarded in any industry. “As a captain of my team, I’ve developed strong leadership skills, and managing my demanding schedule has helped me excel in time management and problem-solving.”

4. State Your Career Goal

Clearly state what you’re seeking—whether it’s an internship, mentorship, or a specific job role. This helps your audience understand how they can help or what you’re aiming for. “I’m looking for an internship opportunity in sports management where I can apply my skills in leadership and teamwork.”

5. End with a Call to Action

Wrap up your elevator pitch by asking for the next step. This could be scheduling a follow-up meeting, connecting on LinkedIn, or asking for advice. This will help initiate the next phase of the conversation. “Would you be willing to connect over LinkedIn to discuss potential opportunities in the sports industry?”

Example Elevator Pitch:

“Hi, I’m Sarah, a senior track and field athlete at XYZ University. I’ve been balancing a full academic load with training for the past four years, and as a team captain, I’ve developed leadership and communication skills. I’m seeking an internship in sports marketing where I can leverage my team experience and passion for the industry. Do you have any advice on how I could get involved?”

By following these steps, you’ll have an elevator pitch that showcases your strengths, highlights your goals, and opens doors to new opportunities in your professional journey.