Page 30 - Carlson School GBCC Career Guide

Positioning Statements
A positioning statement, or elevator speech, is a summary of your interests, expertise, and goals. It is a crafted, yet flexible, story that gives the listener an idea of your background and your aspirations. Generally, a positioning statement is 30 seconds to one minute in length, and includes relevant information about your past experiences, current position, and future goals.
NETWORKING
A few things to remember about positioning statements:
• It is an overview and should be brief and engaging.
• Include your graduate program and the rationale for pursuing the degree.
• Always start at an earlier point in your career and end at the present. Include your rationale as to why the position you’re targeting is the right next step.
• Highlight specific and measurable results, accomplishments, and contributions.
It may be natural to start with your undergraduate course
of study or degree. Include any significant undergraduate experiences such as internships if you have less work experience. You’ll then want to outline your job history. Include specific skills, experiences, and accomplishments. As you move through your professional positions, you’ll want to explain the motivation, decision, or reason for each move (or promotion).
Insert your graduate program at the appropriate time in your career progression. Include the reasons why you decided to pursue it and your area of study. Note ways you are able to apply your coursework on the job. If particularly compelling, describe course projects, international experience(s), etc.
Always conclude with your goals or objectives, and customize them to the position and organization
Consider the following language:
• “I am interested in moving to the next level in [insert functional area] ...”
• “I am well-positioned for ...”
• “I am a good fit for this position with [insert company name] because ...”
• “I am interested in making a move to marketing. I have demonstrated my commitment to new product development from a design perspective and am pursuing positions where I will be able to contribute in the day-to-day marketing planning process ...”
• “This position in [insert functional area] would be a good fit and would build on my experience in...”
Positioning Statement Examples
You’ll notice that the examples on the next page vary greatly
in their level of detail and length. As mentioned previously, this statement needs to be flexible and tailored to the situation. Generally, an interview requires a more thorough answer, while a brief networking introduction is an opportunity to offer a short summary.
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Positioning Statement Examples
28 Carlson School of Management