Making Your Professional Introduction
Meeting Someone New
First impressions form quickly. It is important to have a well thought-out and composed personal introduction for occasions such as career fairs, campus networking meetups, or chance encounters with professionals. While some instances will allow time for a prepared introduction, others may come about more organically, requiring you to get a conversation started without time to prepare.
“It is important to have a well thought-out and composed personal introduction”
Regardless of the venue, the ability to introduce yourself confidently, with important context of your background and a question to get your new acquaintance talking, could lead to a positive and memorable conversation!
Consider These Scenarios
You are attending the College of Business Career Fair. You are about to approach the first employer table – a company where you would like to intern. What will you say to introduce yourself?
Or…
You notice that there is an interesting Employer of the Day in the Rockwell West foyer and decide you would like to connect with them. When you meet one of the employer representatives, what will you say to start the conversation?
Or…
You are at a community or family event and happen to meet someone working in your field of interest. How will you get a conversation started with them?
Tips For a Successful Introduction
Similar to customizing your resume and cover letter for individual companies, your introduction is not one-size-fits-all.
Intros are not limited to planned professional situations (i.e., career fairs). Unexpected situations to introduce yourself could arise.
Get comfortable with the key information you want to share. Know your key points to deliver it organically, rather than scripted.
It’s ok to be creative and confident. What you say is important, but sometimes how you say it makes a bigger impression.
Crafting Your Introduction
1. Share Who You Are
Begin by sharing who you are; consider sharing your year, area of study, and what you’re looking for.
💡 Example:
– My name is Johanna Gomez; I am a junior studying marketing, with courses in digital marketing and analytics. I’m excited about internship opportunities with a marketing agency.
2. Share Your Interests
Let the professional know about what you are seeking next. This could be the position opening in their company that you’ve identified, or the type of job or internship you desire.
💡 Examples:
– I am looking to combine my creativity and attention to detail into an account manager position in the advertising industry.
– I reviewed the Account Management Development Program on your website and was drawn to it based on my experience with customer service and building relationships in student roles.
3. Share the Highlights
Develop 1-2 highlight statements to share in your intro. Relay key information about you! What important experiences, skills, knowledge areas, or career goals are relevant? Avoid the generic – be specific to you. Get detailed to your area of interest. Be confident discussing your strengths and use “I” statements.
💡 Examples:
– I’m early in my accounting coursework but have been drawn to audit based on my attention to detail and the success I’ve had in customer service positions.
– I have 3 years’ experience in customer service positions and received feedback from supervisors about my ability to relate to customers and balance multiple priorities in a fast-paced business.
4. Ask a Question
After providing information about yourself and what you’re seeking, ask a question to get the conversation started. The end of your introduction will vary from one situation to the next.
💡 Examples:
– What trends are you noticing in your field that impact this position?
– What skills or knowledge are at the forefront in hiring your next account manager?
– A few considerations to narrow in on a question to ask at the end: Why are we meeting? Where do I want the conversation to go? Why does it matter to them?