This event included members from Kennesaw State University’s Nu Pi Chapter and found success because in advanced planning, VP-Professional Activities Joshua Beaner’s vision for the event, and support from the University. Instead of hosting their normal networking mixer that introduces brothers to recruiters, Beaner planned to make the event more interactive and show the campus the benefits of being a brother. With clear objectives in mind, Brother Beaner and his committee planned the event.
    Beaner took on the task of reaching out to numerous companies and confirming the attendance of recruiters. Brother Beaner and his committee then worked on the creative format of the event. To maximize the attendees’ ability to meet and impress the recruiters, they chose to host it as a “30-second elevator pitch speed dating competition”. Kappa promoted the event on social media, reached out to presidents of other student organizations, and utilized the University’s Career Management Center’s promotional space.
    Brother Beaner opened the event by giving a brief presentation on elevator pitches. Then in small groups, contestants sharpened their speeches and exchanged constructive feedback. The company representatives scored each competitor based one’s ability to: grab attention with a hook, clearly introduce themselves, explain what they could offer to the company, explain the benefits of hiring them, and deliver the pitch in a concise, memorable way. The representatives chose the winner based on who was able to deliver the best pitch or “woo” them.
    The winners were then able to recuperate and give their elevator pitches in front of all of the recruiters and other attendees. Following this feedback from the second round, the companies chose a first, second, and third place winner, two of whom were brothers! Contestants were then able to meet with recruiters one-on-one, which was set up closely to a typical career fair.
    Overall, the event went extremely well because Kappa was able to improve upon their university footprint, and more importantly, attendees were able to see firsthand how to make a good first impression with recruiters. What was also extremely special was the opportunity to take advantage of one of the Fraternity’s top partners, Enterprise Rent-A-Car. Kappa expects to only improve upon their current relationship with that partner.