Workshop 4 of the All-Akron Student Engineering Program (AASEP) marked another impactful session centered on personal branding, professional development, and hands-on STEM learning. With a focus on building confidence, communication skills, and career readiness, this workshop provided students with valuable tools and real-world experiences to help shape their futures.
Crafting the Perfect Elevator Pitch
We kicked off the day by introducing the concept of the elevator pitch—a concise, compelling way to introduce oneself professionally. Using materials from Princeton University’s Center for Career Development, students learned how to prepare, create, and refine their own pitches. A few of our second-year students, already familiar with the format, shared thoughtful tips and insights from their experiences.
Students then participated in a Peer Group Critique exercise, where they practiced their pitches and exchanged feedback in small groups. It was inspiring to witness the level of professionalism and attentiveness each student brought to the exercise. Their openness to giving and receiving constructive feedback made for a highly productive and encouraging environment.
For many high school students, networking and speaking with professionals can feel intimidating. However, we emphasized how elevator pitches can serve as powerful tools for making meaningful first impressions, initiating conversations, and expressing one’s unique strengths and aspirations. With time and practice, students will gain greater ease and confidence in these interactions.
“Be Your Own Hype Person!” with Mr. Terry Malone
The morning transitioned into an engaging and motivational session titled “Be Your Own Hype Person!” led by the energetic and always inspiring Mr. Terry Malone. His presence immediately energized the room, connecting with students through authenticity and enthusiasm.
Mr. Malone stressed the importance of pursuing opportunities that genuinely align with personal passions and values. His core message was clear: being true to yourself, staying passionate, and confidently communicating your strengths is not just important—it’s essential. He encouraged students to take ownership of their personal brand and to speak about their capabilities boldly and clearly. As he reminded them, “If you don’t advocate for yourself, who will?”
STEM in Action: The RAPID Engineering Challenge
In the afternoon, the energy remained high as Mr. Malone returned to lead a thrilling STEM engineering challenge. This hands-on activity involved a series of four, ten-minute team-based design tasks centered on the concept of RAPID—Rapid Prototyping and Design.
Students collaborated under tight time constraints to design, build, and submit their prototypes for evaluation. The challenge simulated real-world engineering scenarios, requiring students to think creatively, work effectively under pressure, and demonstrate teamwork and problem-solving skills. It was demanding, fast-paced, and highly rewarding—offering students a taste of the dynamic world of STEM through a lens of fun and innovation.
Key Takeaways
This workshop offered students a wide range of practical and personal development lessons, including:
- How to communicate your personal brand and what you want to be known for
- The purpose and structure of an elevator pitch
- Identifying and sharing your unique selling points
- The importance of networking and how to do it effectively
- Practical applications of professional communication
- The concept and value of RAPID design
- Collaborative problem-solving and innovation
- How to confidently answer questions like “Tell me about yourself,” “What do you do?” and “What are you interested in doing next?”
Final Thoughts
This workshop was a clear example of what happens when students are empowered with tools, mentorship, and space to grow. Their enthusiasm, willingness to learn, and support for one another made the day an outstanding success.
A heartfelt thank you goes to Mr. Terry Malone, whose guidance continues to leave a lasting impact on our students. His ability to motivate, educate, and connect is truly unmatched. We look forward to his continued involvement and hope to expand the program with more professionals who bring the same energy and dedication to student success.
