The Art of Introducing Yourself - Part 1

By Ayushri Jain

If you are a graduate student or on the job hunt, the question “What do you do?” can feel particularly loaded. Whether it’s at networking events, career fairs, or even in an interview, your response has to capture who you are, what you bring to the table, and why you are memorable. Many call this your ‘elevator pitch’, but I like to think of it as a way to make yourself truly unforgettable—not just listing your degree or field of study. Recently, I found myself scouring the internet for fresh tips on how to introduce yourself more effectively. After sifting through various resources, I came across some ideas that can transform the way you present yourself in any situation. Master this, and you’ll shine at interviews, coffee chats, and networking events alike.

Don’t Be Boring!
Imagine you’re at a networking event, and someone asks, “What are you studying?”, do you freeze, rattle off your major, or give a vague description of your research? For many of us, these situations can feel awkward, and our responses often fall flat. The key is to avoid blending into the crowd. We are often conditioned to answer with simple facts—like our degree, school, or research focus—but that doesn’t truly convey who you are. Here’s how to elevate your introduction and stand out from the competition.

1. Avoid Leading with Your Degree or Title: One of the biggest mistakes graduate students make when introducing themselves is jumping straight into their degree or academic title. When you say, “I’m a master’s student in engineering” or “I’m pursuing my PhD in biology”, you risk being immediately boxed into the listener’s preconceived ideas of what that means. It is a conversation dead-end. Instead, describe what you do in a way that opens up discussion and invites curiosity.
Example:
❌ Bad: “I am an MBA student at XYZ University.”
✅ Good: “I am studying business strategy, but I am particularly interested in how companies use data to make decisions. Lately, I have been exploring consulting as a way to apply that knowledge.”
This approach highlights your unique interests and invites further engagement.

2. Share a Micro-Story: Stories make you memorable. Instead of just listing facts about your studies or experience, share a short, unique story that reflects your journey or passion.
Example:
❌ Bad: “I am doing research in neuroscience”
✅ Good: “I have always been fascinated by how the brain works, so when I had the chance to assist on a project mapping neural responses to stress, I jumped in. That experience really opened my eyes to the intersection of psychology and technology.”
A micro-story not only provides context but also shows enthusiasm, making you more relatable.

3. Use Hooks to Keep the Conversation Going: Introducing yourself isn’t just about answering a question—it’s about setting the stage for a meaningful conversation. By including small “hooks”—details that encourage follow-up questions—you create opportunities for a richer exchange.
Example:
Q: “What are you studying?”
❌ Bad: “I am studying economics”
✅ Good: “I am studying economics, but I am really interested in behavioral economics—how small changes in choice architecture can have a huge impact on decision-making.”
By adding this hook, you make it easier for the other person to ask questions and dive deeper into what excites you.

Stay tuned for Part 2, where we will explore how to highlight your unique journey and add personal touches to your introduction to leave a lasting impression.