5 Unconventional Ways to Find Hidden Opportunities
Finding opportunities isn’t about luck—it’s about knowing where to look. Whether you want to get published, land a job, or access exclusive programs, these five steps will help you uncover hidden gems that most students miss.
1. Reverse-Engineer Your Dream Goal
Find 10 people who already did what you want to do.
• If you want to get published, look at young writers who wrote for big platforms (check their LinkedIn, Twitter, or personal websites).
• If you want a job, find professionals with your dream role and analyze their first few jobs.
Action:
• Google search their names + “interview” or “guest article” to see if they shared how they got there.
• Use LinkedIn’s ‘People Also Viewed’ to discover similar profiles.
• Message them (if appropriate) and ask one ultra-specific question: “I saw you published an article in [where]. What helped you break in as a student?”
2. Exploit the ‘Unadvertised’ Route
Many internships, fellowships, and publishing opportunities aren’t posted anywhere.
• Instead of waiting for listings, pitch yourself directly to organizations, professors, or small companies.
• Many businesses don’t actively seek interns—but they say yes when someone smart offers help.
Action:
• Email 10 people at small organizations (not HR, but actual team members) with a 2-sentence pitch:
• “Hi [Name], I love the work [Company] does on [Topic]. I noticed you don’t have an internship listed, but I’d love to assist with [specific task]. Would you be open to a quick chat?”
• If you want to get published, email editors directly and say:
• “I noticed you cover [topic] but haven’t had a student perspective on [specific angle]. I’d love to contribute a piece on this. Would you be open to a short pitch?”
3. Find Hidden Scholarships & Grants Using ‘Competitor Stalking’
Most students only check their university website for funding. That’s a mistake.
• Many students list their scholarships, fellowships, and grants on LinkedIn or in bios.
• If someone in your field got a special opportunity, you can apply for the same (or similar) one.
Action:
• Search LinkedIn for terms like “scholarship recipient,” “fellow at [organization],” or “[industry] grant winner.”
• Look at their profile to see what awards or fellowships they list.
• Google the name of each program + “eligibility” to check if you qualify.
4. Hijack Email Newsletters for Opportunities
Insider opportunities are often shared in newsletters before they hit public job boards.
• Many professional associations, niche communities, and industry experts send out newsletters packed with job leads, calls for submissions, or fellowships.
Action:
• Subscribe to newsletters in your field (Search: “[industry] newsletter” or “[field] opportunities”).
• For publishing opportunities:
• Sign up for literary magazines’ email lists (they announce submission calls first).
• Follow Substack writers who share freelance opportunities.
• For international relations/jobs:
• Sign up for UN, EU, or think tank mailing lists.
5. Use ‘Weak Ties’ to Unlock Hidden Jobs
Your strongest opportunities come from acquaintances, not close friends.
• 85% of jobs are filled through networking, but most students only ask friends for referrals.
• Your professor’s former student, your LinkedIn connections, or someone you met at an event can be a goldmine.
Action:
• Make a “Hidden Network” list: Write down 20+ people you vaguely know (alumni, event speakers, people who commented on your LinkedIn post).
• Message them with a non-cringey request:
• “Hey [Name], I’m exploring career options in [industry] and saw you work at [Company]. How did you get your foot in the door? Would love to hear your insights!”
The “Invisible Door” Rule
Opportunities aren’t just “hidden” — they’re everywhere, but most people never knock.
• If something seems impossible to break into, find 10 people who did it & copy their path.
• If there’s no official opening, create one by pitching yourself.
• If you don’t know where to start, ask people who do.
If you want to learn more about the strategies, set a consultation with our specialist or join our courses!
Finding opportunities isn’t about luck—it’s about knowing where to look. Whether you want to get published, land a job, or access exclusive programs, these five steps will help you uncover hidden gems that most students miss.
1. Reverse-Engineer Your Dream Goal
Find 10 people who already did what you want to do.
• If you want to get published, look at young writers who wrote for big platforms (check their LinkedIn, Twitter, or personal websites).
• If you want a job, find professionals with your dream role and analyze their first few jobs.
Action:
• Google search their names + “interview” or “guest article” to see if they shared how they got there.
• Use LinkedIn’s ‘People Also Viewed’ to discover similar profiles.
• Message them (if appropriate) and ask one ultra-specific question: “I saw you published an article in [where]. What helped you break in as a student?”
2. Exploit the ‘Unadvertised’ Route
Many internships, fellowships, and publishing opportunities aren’t posted anywhere.
• Instead of waiting for listings, pitch yourself directly to organizations, professors, or small companies.
• Many businesses don’t actively seek interns—but they say yes when someone smart offers help.
Action:
• Email 10 people at small organizations (not HR, but actual team members) with a 2-sentence pitch:
• “Hi [Name], I love the work [Company] does on [Topic]. I noticed you don’t have an internship listed, but I’d love to assist with [specific task]. Would you be open to a quick chat?”
• If you want to get published, email editors directly and say:
• “I noticed you cover [topic] but haven’t had a student perspective on [specific angle]. I’d love to contribute a piece on this. Would you be open to a short pitch?”
3. Find Hidden Scholarships & Grants Using ‘Competitor Stalking’
Most students only check their university website for funding. That’s a mistake.
• Many students list their scholarships, fellowships, and grants on LinkedIn or in bios.
• If someone in your field got a special opportunity, you can apply for the same (or similar) one.
Action:
• Search LinkedIn for terms like “scholarship recipient,” “fellow at [organization],” or “[industry] grant winner.”
• Look at their profile to see what awards or fellowships they list.
• Google the name of each program + “eligibility” to check if you qualify.
4. Hijack Email Newsletters for Opportunities
Insider opportunities are often shared in newsletters before they hit public job boards.
• Many professional associations, niche communities, and industry experts send out newsletters packed with job leads, calls for submissions, or fellowships.
Action:
• Subscribe to newsletters in your field (Search: “[industry] newsletter” or “[field] opportunities”).
• For publishing opportunities:
• Sign up for literary magazines’ email lists (they announce submission calls first).
• Follow Substack writers who share freelance opportunities.
• For international relations/jobs:
• Sign up for UN, EU, or think tank mailing lists.
5. Use ‘Weak Ties’ to Unlock Hidden Jobs
Your strongest opportunities come from acquaintances, not close friends.
• 85% of jobs are filled through networking, but most students only ask friends for referrals.
• Your professor’s former student, your LinkedIn connections, or someone you met at an event can be a goldmine.
Action:
• Make a “Hidden Network” list: Write down 20+ people you vaguely know (alumni, event speakers, people who commented on your LinkedIn post).
• Message them with a non-cringey request:
• “Hey [Name], I’m exploring career options in [industry] and saw you work at [Company]. How did you get your foot in the door? Would love to hear your insights!”
The “Invisible Door” Rule
Opportunities aren’t just “hidden” — they’re everywhere, but most people never knock.
• If something seems impossible to break into, find 10 people who did it & copy their path.
• If there’s no official opening, create one by pitching yourself.
• If you don’t know where to start, ask people who do.
If you want to learn more about the strategies, set a consultation with our specialist or join our courses!
