Pitch yourself! Connect and interact with non-academic professionals

Content

This yearly – unique! – event actively bridges the gap between the academic and non-academic sector. Junior researchers are brought into contact with (HR) managers from various companies/organisations in a mock job interview context, allowing them to improve their interview skills, get to know the world ‘out there’ and expand their network. This year’s edition will take place on June 5 and 6, 2023.

Importantly, this is a training/simulation, which will not affect potential future job applications. A safe setting is created, in which both parties can get to know each other in circumstances that closely resemble a real-life situation but still allow for practice, feedback and questions (from both sides).

On day 1, participants learn how to best introduce themselves in a positive way – as they would do at a job interview -, in a workshop by Dr Robin Lefebvre (Grow2Excel). On day 2, a panel session is organized at which participants are brought into contact with managers/employees from various companies relevant to their field, as well as HR specialists. The event closes with a networking reception.

Workshop – ‘Pitch perfect or pitch in practice?’

Do you think it is easy to capture the positive attention of your dream-organisation’s CEO in 3 minutes or less? If you are nodding your head in self-assured agreement, then this workshop is likely not for you. For all others, in this workshop you will learn how to structure a perfect pitch that can capture your target audience and go from a presentation to a conversation … and perhaps an invitation. You will put the theory in practice and leverage pre-work to increase the quality of your pitch and get feedback on your efforts. Different types of pitches will be covered, as well as the question of what is best used in which circumstances. Lastly, you will discuss how you can make it ‘natural’ so you will actually use your pitch.

The focus is on your expectations, your questions and your needs. You will be doing the work, via individual exercises, small group exercises and group discussions.

By the end of this workshop, you will …

• know the different parts of a perfect pitch
• be able to give a clear and convincing 3-min presentation that captures the attention of your target audience
• be able to make a pitch, so that you will actually pitch-it

Panel session

The panel session can be considered a mock job interview. You will be asked to introduce yourself as if you were applying for a job. The panel will ask questions, as if they would do in an interview setting. In a next step, the panel members will provide both feedback and useful tips and tricks, and you will be able to ask questions to the panel.

The following organisations have confirmed their presence:

• Ascento
• AUSY by Randstad
• BOSA
• Datwyler
• Deloitte Legal
• Melexis
• Thema group Life Science recruitment
• VAB

Practicalities