Pitch to win $500 at the second annual Elevator Pitch Competition

Image Courtesy: Blackstone LaunchPad

by Erin Zaranec

If you had 90 seconds in an elevator with the employer of your dreams, would you be able to sell yourself?

On Oct. 9 from 5 to 8 p.m., Blackstone LaunchPad’s second annual Elevator Pitch Competition challenges you to do just that.

Blackstone Launchpad Senior Marketing Manager Zach Mikrut says elevator pitches are needed to start a business.

“It’s all about pitching a concept or idea. But if you aren’t looking to start a business, you still need a pitch for talking to future employers, if you attend a career fair or any professional event,” Mikrut said.

 Students will have 90 seconds to pitch themselves, a business or an organization. The winner will receive a $500 prize.

“We’ve had students who have just pitched themselves as being hard workers. You don’t have to come pitch a business,” Mikrut said.

Located on the fourth floor of the Kent State University Library, the competition also coincides with LaunchPad’s professional job fair, offering students a variety of professional services such as creating business cards, LinkedIn profiles, personal websites and resumes.

Students interested in participating can attend one of three pitch workshops on October 2, 6 or 7 at noon at the Blackstone LaunchPad office in the student center.

The competition and professional fair are both free. Launchpad will provide food and refreshments.

Students can visit www.ksuelevatorpitch.com or contact Zach Mikrut at zmikrut@kent.edu for more information.

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