Welcome back to Part 2 of The Art of Introducing Yourself.

By Ayushri Jain

In the first part, we covered how to avoid leading with your degree or title, sharing a micro-story, and using hooks to keep the conversation going. Now, let's dive into the next steps for making a memorable introduction.

4. Highlight Your Unique Journey: Your academic path and experiences are unique, so don't shy away from what sets you apart. Whether you have switched fields, taken a gap year, or have an unconventional combination of skills, these elements make your story compelling.
Example for a Career Pivot: "I originally started out in psychology but realized my passion for data-driven insights. That's what led me to pursue a master's in data analytics. Now I get to combine my understanding of human behavior with big data."
Example for an International Background: "I grew up in both India and the U.S., which gave me a global perspective. My experiences in both cultures inspired my research on international business strategies."
By embracing your unique journey, you make your introduction more engaging and set yourself apart from other candidates.

5. Add an Interesting Fact: Sometimes the smallest details can make the biggest impact. Including a fun or unexpected fact about yourself can spark curiosity and help people remember you long after the conversation ends.
Examples of conversation-starters:

• Unusual academic interest: "I am really into computational biology—it's like solving puzzles that could improve healthcare."
• Personal passion project: "When I am not working on my thesis, I am helping a nonprofit that teaches coding to underrepresented youth."
• Unique hobby: "Outside of studying law, I am also an amateur photographer, which has taught me a lot about patience and perspective."
• Overcoming a challenge: "I recently completed a triathlon, and the discipline I learned training for it has really helped me stay focused in grad school."
• Hidden talent: "I actually used to do improv comedy—something that's been surprisingly helpful in handling on-the-spot questions during interviews!"

These small, unique details make you more approachable and leave a lasting impression.

Final Thoughts…
Introducing yourself is more than just stating your degree or research focus—it is your opportunity to create a lasting impression. By focusing on stories, hooks, and what makes you unique, you'll stand out in job interviews, networking events, and even casual conversations.

Remember: every introduction is a chance to connect, inspire curiosity, and leave people wanting to know more about you. With these tips, you'll never have to worry about being overlooked in your job search or academic journey again.