Register now for fall 2018 Elevator Pitch Competition workshops

Mike Ilitch School of Business undergrads have the chance to win a share of $1,750 in prize money at the fourth annual Elevator Pitch Competition on Friday, Nov. 2, at Detroit's historic Guardian Building.

Students have about 90 seconds — the length of a round-trip ride — to give an “elevator speech” about themselves, describing their education, skills and career aspirations.

Executives from major Detroit companies will evaluate the students on their ability to sell themselves and present a positive, professional first impression. 

To be eligible to participate in the finals on Nov. 2, students must attend one of the mandatory workshops and make it through a semi-final round with faculty judges on campus. The workshop options are:

  • Monday, Oct. 22, 1-2 p.m., 139 MIKE
  • Monday, Oct. 22, 4:30-5:30 p.m., 139 MIKE
  • Tuesday, Oct. 23, 4:30-5:30 p.m., 229 MIKE
  • ONLINE CANVAS WORKSHOP available Oct.15 through Oct. 26

Students can register for an in-person workshop on Handshake. Log in with your WSU AccessID email and password, select "Events," select the "Elevator Pitch Workshop" that you wish to attend, and select "Join Event." Students interested in signing up for the online workshop can fill out the 2018 Elevator Pitch Workshop form and follow the registration instructions. 

The semi-finals are scheduled for Monday, Oct. 29, from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Ilitch School. Top-scoring students will advance to the finals. 

In the final competition on Nov. 2, the top five students as ranked after the elevator rounds will pitch judges in a boardroom setting. Three winners will receive scholarships of $1,000, $500 or $250.

The Elevator Pitch Competition is sponsored by the Mike Ilitch School of Business Alumni Council.

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