How To Get Two Endorsements
Step two: checkmate in eight moves.
If you are reading this article, it means that you have passed the first phase of the Aurora selection process and you have received from Aurora a list of international professionals you can contact. Well done!
Let’s make a summary of what you need to do.
1. Do you have a list with the names of the international professionals you need to contact?
If yes, start studying who they are and what they do.
If not, write an email to application@aurorafellows.com and you will be given the list.
3. Choose your favorites!
Choose two who come from different industries and from different cities.
Now go and win the trust of two of them!
4. «It seems so easy for you …»
No, it isn’t, but we know you will find a way.
For example:
- Search online for a contact (LinkedIn is a great place);
- Write them an email – with a convincing subject to not end up in spam – but be very careful: do not aim to contact them just because you want to be part of Aurora; build a solid relationship with them: absorb their inspiration, stimulate their curiosity;
- Find out if they are attending an event/lecture/webinar you could take part in and ask questions;
- Are you in a nearby town? Go there and meet them!
5. Meet them, tell them your story.
Remember that people’s time is precious, the time they dedicate to you will probably be short, but don’t worry: it will be enough.
First of all, get informed. Be curious, find out who they are, what they do and what they did.
Interact with them: contact them via email or LinkedIn, comment on their activities, social posts, ask for advice.
Meanwhile, take care of your credibility on social networks, but not only, tell your story and your projects, create strong relationships with people around you; listen and give relevant advice.
Think clearly, speak with passion and precision about your vision, your dreams, your projects.
After your interaction (meeting, videocall, etc…) if you think the discussion has been inspiring and particularly valuable for both of you, tell them that you are on a mission to gain two endorsements in order to overcome the challenges of the Aurora program (and follow the instruction you received by Aurora via email).
6. How was the meeting?
If you want you can send an email to application@aurorafellows.com, tell us what happened.
If it was great, very well! You will probably receive an email from Aurora, which confirms their support for your application.
If it wasn’t, do not despair: the world is huge, pick up the list and proceed by points, until you get the trust of one of them and the email confirming it.
7. Here we are!
It’s almost done. Repeat everything you’ve done so far: find another endorsement.
By now you know the method.
8. So, do you have two emails confirming that you have received two endorsements?
If yes, you move on to the next step!
If not, again, do not despair: you can try to apply as Aurora Fellow until you are 20 years old. Do not give up!
NOTE:
Whether or not you become a Fellow, it is relative.
This experience will go beyond the selection process, it will be important and valuable for your person.
It will be a moment of crucial growth, it will teach you the art of persistence and foresight. It will increase your awareness, broaden your passion and your vision: precious assets for your future.
Text by Sebastiano Afeltra — Translation by Chiara Castelli
