Elevator Pitch · English · SMX

Hi, I am
Jimmy Cotumba —
your next IT Technician

A motivated SMX student from Catalonia, finishing my first year — ready to apply real skills in hardware, networking, and systems.

Year 01 — Complete Year 02 — In Progress
Programme CFGM SMX — Catalunya
Duration ~60 seconds
Target Tech Companies
Language English (Intermediate)
system_status.sh
$ cat /student/status
Programme
CFGM SMX
Location
Catalunya
Year 01
COMPLETE
Year 02
IN PROGRESS
Target
Tech Companies
English
Intermediate
training_progress 50%
1,000 hours completed · Year 1 of 2
01

The Elevator Pitch

elevator_pitch_script.txt — spoken delivery, ~60 sec
Estimated reading time: 60 seconds

// intro Hello! My name is Jimmy Cotumba. I am currently halfway through my SMX training in Catalonia — I have finished my first year, and I am now working on my second. During this time, I have focused on hardware and networking, and I am ready to apply what I have learned in a real IT environment.

// skills I know how to build and repair computers, and I am comfortable setting up local networks (LAN), configuring routers, and managing both Windows and Linux systems. I also have an intermediate level of English, which allows me to read technical documentation and communicate in a professional setting.

// value On top of that, I have basic knowledge of cybersecurity, HTML, CSS, and how to work with web servers. These skills help me understand how all the parts of an IT system work together.

// close I am a hard worker and a fast learner. I want to help your team keep things running smoothly while I continue growing as a technician. I would love to be part of your team. Could we have a short conversation this week?

Professional Register Persuasive Structure Technical Vocabulary Call to Action ~130 words
02

Justification of Decisions

Technical Vocabulary

The pitch uses sector-specific terms such as DNS, DHCP, LAN, switches, routers, operating systems, cybersecurity, and CMS. These words were chosen because the target audience — HR managers and IT leads — expects candidates to show real domain knowledge. Using precise vocabulary signals readiness for professional IT work. Vague language like "computer stuff" would hurt credibility.

Discourse Structure

The pitch follows a classic persuasive structure: introduction → competence evidence → differentiator → call to action. The opening establishes identity; the skills block builds trust; the differentiator (hard worker, fast learner) adds a human dimension; and the closing question creates a clear next step, which is essential in recruitment communication.

Persuasion Strategies

Three key techniques were applied: (1) Social proof — mentioning the completed first year anchors claims in facts; (2) Value proposition — "help your team keep things running smoothly" addresses the employer's goal directly; (3) Direct close — "Could we have a short conversation this week?" shows confidence and creates a concrete next step.

Communicative Objectives

The main objective is self-promotion in a professional English context, targeting companies in the Catalan tech ecosystem. The register is formal but natural — not too stiff, while maintaining professionalism expected in HR interactions. Language is calibrated for an intermediate English speaker: correct and clear, but not artificially complex.

✦ Every language choice connects directly to the communicative goal: convincing a recruiter or IT manager to grant an interview, in a professional environment where English is the working language.
02.1

Key Technical Vocabulary Used

Term Used Field Justification for Inclusion
DNS / DHCP Networking Core network services every IT technician must know; signals hands-on infrastructure experience.
Local Area Network (LAN) Networking Universal term in corporate IT; shows familiarity with enterprise network topology.
Switches & Routers Hardware Physical network equipment central to the SMX curriculum; confirms practical knowledge.
Windows / Linux Systems Specifying both platforms shows versatility; Linux competence is increasingly valued professionally.
Cybersecurity Security High-demand skill globally; positions the candidate as security-aware.
HTML, CSS, CMS Web Shows breadth beyond pure hardware; relevant for IT support in web-dependent companies.
Value / Team Soft Skills Employer-centric framing; shifts the pitch from "what I learned" to "what you gain."
03

Evidence & Documentation

Linux terminal screenshot
Screenshot · Operating Systems
Linux User & Permission Management
Terminal screenshot showing useradd, chmod, and group configuration commands from the operating systems module.
Network configuration
Screenshot · Networking
LAN Configuration — Switch & DHCP
Network topology showing a configured LAN with a DHCP server, switches, and routed segments.
Cybersecurity report
Written Document · Cybersecurity
Basic Security Policy Report
Report summarising a basic security policy including firewall rules, password policies, and backup procedures.
Network hardware
Evidence · Networking Hardware
Network Hardware — Ethernet & Switching
Close-up of network switching equipment and Ethernet connections configured during practical sessions.
Apache web server
Screenshot · Web Services
Apache Web Server — Deployed & Running
Locally deployed Apache server serving a test HTML page, showing practical web server administration skills.
PC assembly hardware
Own Image · Hardware
PC Assembly & Component Identification
Photograph from the hardware module: RAM installation and component identification during a practical assessment.
04

Core Technical Skills — SMX Year 1

The following competencies were acquired during the first year of the SMX curriculum (CFGM) and are directly referenced in the elevator pitch. Each skill represents a module studied and practised in the programme.

🔧 PC Assembly & Hardware
🐧 Linux Administration
🪟 Windows (Basic Admin)
🌐 LAN & Network Config
📡 DNS / DHCP / Proxy
🔁 Switches & Routers
🛡️ Basic Cybersecurity
🖥️ Apache Web Server
📝 HTML & CSS Basics
📂 CMS & Web Managers
🔌 Remote Access (SSH/RDP)
📊 Virtualisation (VirtualBox)
💾 Backup & Recovery
🤝 IT User Support