Picture this: a bright, ambitious college student, in the throes of a job hunt, working at a pizza shop in one of the most affluent neighborhoods in the world. This is the story of Ayala Ossowski, a first-generation college student who used an unconventional networking method to overcome the job market’s infamous catch-22: the need for experience to land an internship, and the need for an internship to gain experience.
“I needed experience to land an internship, but I couldn’t get experience without one,” Ayala Ossowski, now 24, recounted to Fortune. After submitting over 100 applications with no response, she decided to get creative.
While serving slices of pizza to some of the most powerful people in Washington DC, Ossowski realized that the very people she served could potentially offer her an internship. She decided to give them a reason to see her not just as their pizza server, but as a potential employee.
The strategy? A baseball cap bearing her university logo, worn during every shift. This simple accessory served as her credentials, subtly hinting at her academic pursuits.
Networking with a Baseball Cap
The baseball cap did its job: it sparked conversations. When customers inquired about her affiliation with American University, Ossowski would seize the opportunity to deliver her elevator pitch.
“Yep, I’m a student there studying public relations and marketing,” she would say. “I’m actually currently looking for an internship for the spring if you know anyone who’s hiring. Enjoy your pizza.”
This audacious strategy was met with a few puzzled looks. But Ossowski wasn’t deterred. “I didn’t care because I knew it would work. I knew this would be the only way to get my first foot in the door,” she stated.
And she was right. After a month of perplexed customers, one person saw her tenacity and gave her a chance. This first internship led to more, and today, Ossowski works for Cisco’s communications team.
Impressions Matter
It isn’t just about the pitch; your actions also speak volumes. A difficult customer interaction witnessed by the person who eventually granted Ossowski her first internship impressed him. Her handling of the situation was a “big reason why” he gave her his business card.
Ossowski advises keeping your elevator pitch short and sweet, signaling your ability to remain composed in high-pressure situations. But most importantly, she encourages everyone to leverage their personal strengths.
“The market is so saturated with such incredible talent, that it takes some creativity in order to stand out from the crowd,” she says.
The Power of Networking
This story is a testament to the power of networking and the importance of making a good impression. Whether you’re serving pizza or working behind a cash register, never underestimate the potential opportunities that could come your way. As Ayala Ossowski’s story demonstrates, even a baseball cap can make a difference.
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