Week 6: NARS Review and Elevator Speech Preparation

NARS (Non-Academic Requirements) Update

The deadline for all NARS completion is September 28. Students should finalize immunizations immediately, as Synergy appointments become difficult to secure by early September due to high demand across the college. Requirements must be uploaded to the Synergy account as soon as they are completed. While the NARS office currently has no walk-in hours, the NARS coordinator is available via email for specific inquiries.

Assignment 4: Cover Letter and Resume Revision

Assignment 4 is due at the end of Week 9 on July 5. This task requires students to revise their cover letter and resume based on provided instructor feedback. The final submission must be combined into a single document. A recorded video explaining the assignment expectations, along with a checklist and formal instructions, will be provided to assist with this process.

Elevator Speech Definition and Structure

An elevator speech is a 30-second to 60-second summary used to introduce yourself, typically answering the interview prompt, "Tell us a bit about yourself." It serves as a brief commercial that highlights who you are, what you are looking for, and how you can benefit an organization. A structured pitch should follow four points:

  1. Who you are and what you have been doing lately.

  2. What makes you unique.

  3. Your specific professional goals.

  4. A call to action.

Strategic Application and Preparation

Elevator speeches are essential for initial interview segments, networking events, and presentations. To be effective, the speech must be tailored to the specific agency by researching their mission and job descriptions. Candidates should emphasize transferable skills such as initiative, multitasking, and problem-solving. During mock interviews, students may bring a one-page note as a reference but should focus on delivering the speech with confidence rather than reciting it verbatim.

Sample Professional Summary

A sample pitch for a Fleming College student in the Social Service Worker or Mental Health and Addiction Worker program highlights coursework in case management, ethics, and advocacy. Even without direct field experience, the focus remains on applying academic knowledge and soft skills, such as empathy and communication, to solve organizational problems and professionalize the student placement.

Questions & Discussion

During the session, the instructor addressed logistical questions regarding the NARS process, confirming that students had successfully reset their Synergy passwords and identified account access during seminar. The discussion also clarified the marking workflow: feedback for current submissions will be shared with the next instructor, Heather, to ensure consistency during the Week 9 revision grading.