PD

Learning Objectives

  • Translate negative self-talk into powerful statements that promote your skills
  • Develop an elevator pitch using the four recommended elements

Introduction

Training as a developer is a tough and demanding task. You have been working so hard and dedicating so many hours to this. How can you make sure that you can do justice to yourself and demonstrate your effort, strengths and skills effectively.

Exercises

Positive spins (20 minutes)

Goal: Turn negative arguments into positive

Study this slide deck. Brainstorm positive spins on the following sentences. Write your ideas down.

  • I am currently working in a different sector
  • I am a stay-at-home parent so have not worked for ten years
  • I don’t have any experience in software development
  • I don’t enjoy the job I am currently doing

Elevator pitch (90 minutes)

Goal: Prepare an elevator pitch

Imagine you are going to an event at Capgemini. You stepped in the elevator and then someone else came in. They introduced themselves as the recruiting manager for one of the tech teams at Capgemini. How would you introduce yourself?

Read this elevator pitch article. Prepare your 30-second elevator pitch. Practice and refine your pitch every day for 2 weeks, then one day every week until you land your dream job.