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ฅ՞•ﻌ•՞ฅ Hi, girlies!
Have you ever found someone on LinkedIn whose career looks exactly like the path you want—but then had no idea what to say?
This week, we are breaking down how to write a cold email or LinkedIn request that gives the other person a real reason to respond. No vague “I’d love to connect,” no asking someone to “pick their brain,” and no making them plan the entire conversation for you.
You will also find scholarships, paid programs, internships, fellowships, and funded experiences with deadlines from August 28 through September 10, 2026. The opportunities are sorted by deadline so you can apply to the most urgent ones first. 🎀
✩ Final days to apply for these opportunities ✩
See more down below!
Paid Lighted Pathways Asset Management Internship
College sophomores and juniors studying finance, accounting, economics, mathematics, business, marketing, computer science, data analytics, or related fields can apply for a paid Summer 2027 internship in Boston. Selected students also receive mentorship and professional development. Deadline: August 28, 2026. Apply here$5,000 Johnson & Johnson Scholarship
New Jersey residents who are college juniors or seniors pursuing nursing or another health-sciences degree may apply. Students can attend an accredited four-year institution, including an HBCU or UNCF member institution. Deadline: August 28, 2026. Apply here
Build Income on Both Sides of the Link.
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Advice column
Stop saying “I’d love to connect”: how to write a cold email that gets a response
“I’d love to connect” is not wrong, but it does not explain why you chose that person or what you want to discuss. A busy professional should not have to guess what you need.
I use this approach inside my own company whenever I reach out to someone on another team. I explain why I chose them, what I hope to learn, who I am, and when I am available. Once they select a time, I send the calendar invitation myself.
Your message should answer four questions:
1) Why are you reaching out to this person?
Choose one detail that makes the message personal: their role, career transition, project, team, article, presentation, school, or shared background.
Too general: “Your background is very impressive.”
Better: “I noticed that you moved from treasury operations into product management, which is a transition I am currently exploring.”
2) What do you want to get out of the conversation?
Ask about one or two specific topics. “Any advice” is too broad. You can ask how they entered a field, which skills helped them, what surprised them about the role, or how they prepared for an application.
Better: “I’m hoping to understand which projects helped you gain product experience before you officially moved into the role.”
3) What is your background?
Give only the information that helps them understand your request: your school and major, current role, career interest, or a relevant project. One or two sentences are enough.
4) What is the easiest next step?
Do not end with “Let me know when you’re free.” Suggest a 15–20 minute conversation, offer two or three exact windows, and include your time zone. After they choose, send the calendar invitation with the meeting link.
LinkedIn connection request example
LinkedIn connection notes have limited space, so do not try to include your entire life story.
Hi Maya, I found your profile while researching product roles in digital payments. I currently work in payments, and your move from treasury into product stood out to me. Could I ask you two brief questions about that transition?
This works because it says why you chose Maya, gives your background, and makes the purpose of the request clear—without saying “I’d love to connect.”
Message to send after they accept
Thank you for accepting my request, Maya. I’m especially hoping to learn how you gained product experience before changing roles and which skills mattered most during the transition. Would you be open to a 20-minute conversation? I’m available Tuesday, September 1, from 12:00–12:20 p.m. PT or Wednesday, September 2, from 4:00–4:20 p.m. PT. If neither works, I’m happy to adjust.
Cold email example
Subject: Question about your transition from treasury to product
Hi Maya,
I found your profile while learning more about product careers in digital payments. I noticed that you moved from treasury operations into product management, which is a transition I am currently exploring.
I work in payments and am hoping to understand how professionals gain meaningful product experience before officially moving into a product role. I would especially value hearing which projects and skills helped you make that transition.
Would you be open to a brief 20-minute conversation? I am available Tuesday, September 1, from 12:00–12:20 p.m. PT, Wednesday, September 2, from 4:00–4:20 p.m. PT, or Friday, September 4, from 10:00–10:20 a.m. PT. If none of those times works, I am happy to adjust.
Thank you for considering my request,
[Your name]
[School, major, or current role]
[LinkedIn profile]
Once they say yes, send the invitation yourself
Calendar title: Karla + Maya | Product career conversation
Length: 20 minutes
Location: Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, or phone
Description:
Transition from treasury to product
Skills and projects that created product exposure
Advice for someone early in the same path
Add the meeting link, confirm the time zone, and send the invitation immediately. Do not make the other person do the administrative work after agreeing to help you.
If they do not respond
Wait seven to ten days and send one short follow-up:
Hi Maya, I wanted to bring this back to the top of your inbox in case it was buried. I remain very interested in learning about your transition into product, but I completely understand if your schedule is full. Thank you for considering my request.
If they still do not respond, move on respectfully. A nonresponse usually means the person is busy; it is not a judgment of your potential.
GOC Tip: Reach out to people one to three steps ahead of you—not only executives. Analysts, associates, recent graduates, alumni, and employees on adjacent teams often remember the application or transition process more clearly and may have more time to help.
All opportunities down below divided by section🎀🧸🌸
(paid promotion)
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50 winners in total |$1000 each | 🗓️ Deadline: August 29, 2026 at 11:59 PM PT
👉 Apply here
Scholarships to apply for now!
1) ) Filipino American Symphony Orchestra College Scholarship — $1,000
One college student attending school in the U.S. will receive $1,000. Submit an original 750–1,000 word essay answering: “What does Philippine music mean to you?”
Deadline: August 30, 2026
Eligibility: Eligible U.S. college students
Apply: FASO College Scholarship
2) Achieve Today Scholarship — $1,000
Achieve Today is offering a $1,000 scholarship to support college students’ educational goals.
Deadline: August 31, 2026
Eligibility: College students; confirm full requirements on the application page
Apply: Achieve Today Scholarship
3) Voice of the Future Scholarship — $1,000
Submit a 500-word personal statement for this scholarship from Kryder Law. A minimum 3.0 GPA is required.
Deadline: August 31, 2026
Eligibility: High school seniors/incoming freshmen, undergraduate, and graduate students
Apply: Voice of the Future Scholarship
4) Sky Law Group Community Safety Scholarship — $1,000
Write a 750–1,000 word essay on reducing car accidents and improving road safety in California. Applicants also submit proof of enrollment and a short biography.
Deadline: August 31, 2026
Eligibility: Full-time students enrolled or accepted at an accredited U.S. college/university; U.S. citizen or permanent resident; 3.0 GPA
Apply: Sky Law Group Community Safety Scholarship
5) Becas Alas Scholarship — $1,000–$1,500
For 2026 California high school graduates of Mexican or Latino heritage. Applicants must have a 2.5+ GPA, live in an eligible California county, and submit a short essay.
Deadline: September 4, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. PT
Apply: Becas Alas
6) Love Your Career Scholarship — $1,000
Write about three steps you plan to take in the next year toward a career you love, including an interview with a professional in your field.
Deadline: September 10, 2026
Eligibility: Students enrolled in a U.S. college or university
Apply: Love Your Career Scholarship
7) $1,000 Appily Easy Money Scholarship
This easy-entry scholarship supports students preparing for college and navigating the application process. Applicants can apply online for free.
Award: $1,000
Deadline: September 1, 2026
Apply: Link
8) $1,000 Honor Society® Scholarship
Open to students seeking financial assistance for their education and committed to advancing their academic goals. The application is free.
Award: $1,000
Deadline: September 7, 2026
Apply: link
𑣲⋆｡˚Paid Fully In person/ Remote/Hybrid opportunities
Here is the a list for high school students and undergraduates, sorted by deadline:
1) Bulletin Editorial Fellowship — $750 per published article
Experienced emerging writers in biosecurity or disruptive technology/AI can publish up to four compensated articles during the year. Submit a résumé, cover letter, and up to three published writing samples.
Deadline: August 28, 2026
Apply: Bulletin Editorial Fellowship
Deadline: August 30
2) National Geographic Society + The Nature Conservancy Externship — $500
Young people ages 18–25 worldwide can complete an eight-week, fully remote conservation, mapping, and data-visualization program. No prior GIS or conservation experience is required; participants who complete it receive a $500 educational stipend.
Deadline: August 30, 2026
Program: September 14–November 9, 2026; about 10 hours per week
Apply: Community Conservation Externship
3) True Blue Fellowship — up to $2,500
Individuals, groups, and youth-led organizations worldwide may apply with a new or emerging creative-arts project addressing oceans, waterways, or climate change. Applicants must be ages 16–24 when the fellowship begins.
Deadline: August 30, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.
Apply: True Blue Fellowship
4) CGRS Refugee Leadership Fellowship — $6,000 + $500
This seven-month remote fellowship is for people currently living and authorized to work in the United States who have personally experienced forced displacement. Fellows work about five hours weekly and receive a $6,000 stipend plus $500 for professional development.
Deadline: August 30, 2026
Apply: CGRS Refugee Leadership Program
5) BAVC MediaMaker Fellowship — $10,000 + funded travel
U.S.-based filmmakers directing a first or second feature documentary may submit an Intent to Apply. The ten-month program includes $10,000, mentorship, two funded San Francisco convenings, and travel to two festivals or industry conferences. Full-time students are not eligible.
Intent-to-apply deadline: August 30, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. PT
Apply: BAVC MediaMaker Fellowship
6) Horizon Fellowship — $78,000+ salary for junior fellows
Applicants with knowledge of AI, biotechnology, or another emerging technology can pursue full-time public-service placements in Washington, D.C. Compensation starts at $78,000 for junior fellows and includes benefits-equivalent, professional-development, and possible relocation stipends.
Deadline: August 30, 2026
Apply: 2027 Horizon Fellowship
Apply before August 31 review begins
7) Student Press Freedom Internship — $20/hour
Current students and recent graduates interested in journalism, communications, advocacy, public policy, or media law can work remotely for about 20 hours per week. Legal-track applicants must be current law students who completed their first year.
Important: Applications begin being reviewed August 31; the sponsor does not list August 31 as a firm closing deadline, so apply before review begins.
Apply: Student Press Freedom Internship
Deadline: August 31
8) Explorers Club Rising Explorer Grant — average award $1,500
High school students, college undergraduates, and independent researchers working at an equivalent level can seek funding for scientific fieldwork. Two written recommendations are required.
Deadline: August 31, 2026
Apply: Explorers Club Grants
9) Explorers Club Pathfinder Grant — average award $2,500–$5,000
Graduate and postgraduate students and early-career scientists conducting fieldwork may apply for research funding. Two written recommendations are required.
Deadline: August 31, 2026
Apply: Explorers Club Grants
10) Skadden Fellowship — two-year public-interest law fellowship
Open to final-year law students, LL.M. candidates, outgoing judicial clerks, and certain recent law graduates proposing a civil legal-advocacy project with an eligible nonprofit host. U.S. citizenship is not required, but U.S. work authorization is.
Deadline: August 31, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. PT
Apply: Skadden Fellowship
𑣲⋆｡˚Fully Funded Opportunities
Here is the a list for high school students and undergraduates, sorted by deadline:
1) International Youth Internship Program — funded international placement + stipend
Canadian citizens and permanent residents ages 18–30 can complete a four-month placement in Africa, the Caribbean, Asia, or Central America. Airfare, transportation, visas, training, and program costs are covered, and interns receive a stipend abroad. No degree or prior travel experience is required.
Deadline: August 30, 2026
Program: February 1–June 2, 2027
Apply: International Youth Internship Program
2) ElonYOU Overnight Campus Experience — student travel covered
High school seniors living in the continental United States can apply for an overnight Elon University experience featuring an academic activity, campus life, financial-aid programming, and the Fall Open House. Selected students’ travel expenses are covered.
Deadline: August 31, 2026
Program: October 23–24, 2026
Apply: ElonYOU
4) FICO Financial Empowerment Fellowship — $1,500 + Marsai Martin experience
U.S. students enrolled in a two-year college, four-year college or university, or accredited trade or vocational program can receive a $1,500 scholarship, financial education, leadership development, and an invitation to a Marsai Martin Resolution Brunch in Atlanta.
Deadline: September 21, 2026
Apply: FICO Financial Empowerment Fellowship
5) Jane Street INSIGHT 2027 — travel, accommodation + daily stipend
Women, transgender, and gender-expansive students can explore software engineering, trading and research, or strategy and product at Jane Street’s New York office. No prior finance knowledge is required.
Deadline: October 25, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET
Program: January 4–9, 2027
Apply: Jane Street INSIGHT
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If any of the links don’t work, please email us at [email protected] or reply directly to this email. Thank you!
