12 answers
Shaina
Student
Bacolod, Western Visayas, Philippines
46
Questions
Updated
3401 views
What to do if you are limited in opportunities?
Hi, my area is not well known for opportunities and events so as a student, I had to travel by plane or boat if I really do wanted to go such events. I already did once when I used up my internship allowance to go to a conference last year and rode by plane, but I want to go this year and plane tickets are very expensive. And as for remote opportunities, it's also limited as well since most are in-person meetups. So I leverage on webinars which only comes by sometimes. I tried to change or get exposure as much as possible, but it seems like I'm about to give up on my or hopeless in my situation and most internships and also webinars and from other areas.
12 answers
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach
1093
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Shaina,
For tech, there should be online opportunities available. You can use LinkedIn to connect to people in the business and look for job and internship opportunities, nationally or internationally.
You can use online platforms like Coursera, Udacity, edX, codecamp, freecodecamp, codecampworld etc. to learn skills. The big tech companies also have courses online. You can earn certifications online. You can participate in online bootcamps and hackathons to sharpen your skills, make contacts and build a name for yourself.
You can get on social media and find "your people", e.g. on Bluesky, Twitter, Reddit, Discord, GitHub, slack, appacademy etc. You can google for other forums. Engage with people. Offer help where you can.
You can also start to build a portfolio. Maybe there are small businesses in your area that could use some help. Develop your own projects. Use projects from internships. Collaborate on projects. Document your progress.
Last but not least, inquire in your department and at other colleges in your area, if they have any work/projects you could participate in and/or if they can put you in contact with people in your field.
There are several tech conferences in the Philippines this year. Find out if there are any funds to support student attendees or if there are work opportunities at these conferences. Engage with professional societies in your field, e.g. Philippine Computer Society.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
For tech, there should be online opportunities available. You can use LinkedIn to connect to people in the business and look for job and internship opportunities, nationally or internationally.
You can use online platforms like Coursera, Udacity, edX, codecamp, freecodecamp, codecampworld etc. to learn skills. The big tech companies also have courses online. You can earn certifications online. You can participate in online bootcamps and hackathons to sharpen your skills, make contacts and build a name for yourself.
You can get on social media and find "your people", e.g. on Bluesky, Twitter, Reddit, Discord, GitHub, slack, appacademy etc. You can google for other forums. Engage with people. Offer help where you can.
You can also start to build a portfolio. Maybe there are small businesses in your area that could use some help. Develop your own projects. Use projects from internships. Collaborate on projects. Document your progress.
Last but not least, inquire in your department and at other colleges in your area, if they have any work/projects you could participate in and/or if they can put you in contact with people in your field.
There are several tech conferences in the Philippines this year. Find out if there are any funds to support student attendees or if there are work opportunities at these conferences. Engage with professional societies in your field, e.g. Philippine Computer Society.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Katie Patton, PMP, CSM
Financial Ops, Vendor Mgmt, IT Project Mgmt, IT Delivery Mgmt
6
Answers
Alpharetta, Georgia
Updated
Katie’s Answer
Hi Shaina, I can understand your concern about limited opportunities in your area and limited funds to travel to other areas. Put together a plan and a budget of events you want to attend. Be very clear about what you want to accomplish at these events. Is it education? Is it networking? Is it interviewing with companies for a job? What can you bring back from these events that could benefit your area? Is it knowledge or skills that could help your local government or a local businesses? Do you have a Chamber of Commerce where you live? Do they know of any member businesses that could benefit from you attending these events? If you can identify organizations with needs you can meet as a result of going to these events, you can approach them for sponsorship money. Speak to your professors for ideas and introductions to local business and government leaders. Perhaps you can be the catalyst to bring growth and opportunities to your area! Good luck!
Thanks Katie!! I do take time to attend these events to meet new people and learn a lot from real experiences not just scripted/text-book wise knowledge! Unfortunately, businesses here do not attend such events nor my teachers. I will take your advice on sponsorship money! Thank you so much Katie!
Shaina
Paul Marcel-Rene
Property Manager
20
Answers
Akron, Ohio
Updated
Paul’s Answer
It’s completely understandable to feel discouraged when opportunities seem far away—physically, financially, or both. The fact that you’ve already made sacrifices to attend a conference by plane shows how dedicated and resourceful you are. That same drive can now be applied in a new direction that expands your access without requiring you to leave home. Remote and online participation options have grown significantly in recent years, especially in higher education and professional development. While local opportunities may be limited, you can still build a meaningful academic and professional path by choosing an institution that is built around access.
Transferring to an American college with a strong online program—such as the University of the Cumberlands—could open the breadth of experience you are seeking. Their degree programs are designed for students who need flexibility and global access to education, internships, and networking. As part of their academic experience, you’ll often gain access to virtual conferences, career mentoring, and professional connections that are geographically unrestricted.
Consider also engaging with international student organizations, industry-specific online communities, and virtual volunteering projects. These spaces often lead to hidden opportunities like global case competitions, online hackathons, and international research collaborations. You are not limited by your location—you are only beginning to discover just how far your initiative can take you. Stay focused on your long-term goals, and remember that creative, strategic moves will get you where passion and talent want to go.
(PS. My girlfirend is presently in college in the Philippines. Once she graduates, she will be moving to the US to attend college for her Masters here, most likely through the University of the Cumberlands as well.)
Transferring to an American college with a strong online program—such as the University of the Cumberlands—could open the breadth of experience you are seeking. Their degree programs are designed for students who need flexibility and global access to education, internships, and networking. As part of their academic experience, you’ll often gain access to virtual conferences, career mentoring, and professional connections that are geographically unrestricted.
Consider also engaging with international student organizations, industry-specific online communities, and virtual volunteering projects. These spaces often lead to hidden opportunities like global case competitions, online hackathons, and international research collaborations. You are not limited by your location—you are only beginning to discover just how far your initiative can take you. Stay focused on your long-term goals, and remember that creative, strategic moves will get you where passion and talent want to go.
(PS. My girlfirend is presently in college in the Philippines. Once she graduates, she will be moving to the US to attend college for her Masters here, most likely through the University of the Cumberlands as well.)
Michelle M.
Actress
3284
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Shaina !
There is such super awesome advice already provided for you here by wonderful Career Village Advisors, but I would like to also contribute some advice that hopefully may be something to consider. There may be more opportunities than you realize for after you receive your Bachelors Degree and it's not necessary to spend money flying or traveling outside of where you live. For your last year in college, focus on the opportunities on campus in the Tech Department and any online Certifications you can take.
That being said, there are some opportunities in Bacolod, Western Visayas, Philippines. They may have been easily overlooked if you hadn't explored yet. Volunteer opportunities for your senior year at college and job opportunities for when you receive your Bachelors Degree can be obtained right where you live ! I will give you the names of companies where you live and you'll have to do the exploring and deciding what type of opportunity you want to achieve.
The companies are Axiom Technologies , Adventus IT Services, Inc., Bladegrass Technologies Incorporated, Casto Travel Philippines Inc. which is currently seeking an IT Administrator, Puregold Price Club, Inc., Concentrix, Teleperformance, TTEC, iQor, Transcom, Ubiquity Global Services, Panasiatic Solutions, Focus Direct Inc., Datalink Technologies, Homres Consulting, Stratium, and Tig.
Keep in mind that there may be opportunities right on campus in your Tech Department, too, so you should increase the time you spend in the department. Find out if your University has a Career Center on campus and remember that many non-tech based companies hire tech people. It will be important to get an on-site, in person job at first so you can hone your interpersonal skills, meet new people and work with other professionals. Start getting some hands on experience because you should be getting fully trained through your path for Tech for your Bachelors Degree. Keep it local. No need to fly and sail and incur the expense right now.
I hope this helps and I hope that you find a good opportunity in Tech. ! Best wishes in your Senior Year in college as a Tech Major !
There is such super awesome advice already provided for you here by wonderful Career Village Advisors, but I would like to also contribute some advice that hopefully may be something to consider. There may be more opportunities than you realize for after you receive your Bachelors Degree and it's not necessary to spend money flying or traveling outside of where you live. For your last year in college, focus on the opportunities on campus in the Tech Department and any online Certifications you can take.
That being said, there are some opportunities in Bacolod, Western Visayas, Philippines. They may have been easily overlooked if you hadn't explored yet. Volunteer opportunities for your senior year at college and job opportunities for when you receive your Bachelors Degree can be obtained right where you live ! I will give you the names of companies where you live and you'll have to do the exploring and deciding what type of opportunity you want to achieve.
The companies are Axiom Technologies , Adventus IT Services, Inc., Bladegrass Technologies Incorporated, Casto Travel Philippines Inc. which is currently seeking an IT Administrator, Puregold Price Club, Inc., Concentrix, Teleperformance, TTEC, iQor, Transcom, Ubiquity Global Services, Panasiatic Solutions, Focus Direct Inc., Datalink Technologies, Homres Consulting, Stratium, and Tig.
Keep in mind that there may be opportunities right on campus in your Tech Department, too, so you should increase the time you spend in the department. Find out if your University has a Career Center on campus and remember that many non-tech based companies hire tech people. It will be important to get an on-site, in person job at first so you can hone your interpersonal skills, meet new people and work with other professionals. Start getting some hands on experience because you should be getting fully trained through your path for Tech for your Bachelors Degree. Keep it local. No need to fly and sail and incur the expense right now.
I hope this helps and I hope that you find a good opportunity in Tech. ! Best wishes in your Senior Year in college as a Tech Major !
Thank you so much, Michelle! I did search each one of the company suggestions and most of them are call centers agents hiring. Nevertheless, Thank you so much for your advice!!
Shaina
Sharven Rane
Data Scientist
15
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Sharven’s Answer
It's completely understandable to feel frustrated and even hopeless when you see opportunities happening far away. That feeling of being limited by your location is tough, but your drive to travel to a conference already shows incredible initiative that many people don't have. Instead of focusing on the opportunities you can't get to, you can reframe this as a chance to create your own. The internet is your best tool here; you can build an impressive portfolio of projects, start a blog or a YouTube channel to share what you're learning, or contribute to online open-source projects. These actions show even more passion and self-discipline than simply attending an event.
Think of it this way: create the opportunity you wish you had. You could start a virtual club for students in your area who are in the same boat. You could organize online meetups, invite speakers to join via video call (many professionals are happy to give an hour of their time for free), or run a small, remote competition. By building something yourself whether it's a project portfolio or a small community you're not just waiting for an opportunity to appear. You're making one. This not only gives you valuable experience but also demonstrates leadership and resilience, which are qualities that will make you stand out far more than just a name on a conference attendance list.
Think of it this way: create the opportunity you wish you had. You could start a virtual club for students in your area who are in the same boat. You could organize online meetups, invite speakers to join via video call (many professionals are happy to give an hour of their time for free), or run a small, remote competition. By building something yourself whether it's a project portfolio or a small community you're not just waiting for an opportunity to appear. You're making one. This not only gives you valuable experience but also demonstrates leadership and resilience, which are qualities that will make you stand out far more than just a name on a conference attendance list.
I love this advice so much!! Thank you Sharven! I started my own substack recently talking about the conferences I attended! I believe in the idea of creating and paving the way for opportunities to come!!
Shaina
Ravisha Suryanarayana
Professional Services Consulting
1
Answer
Austin, Texas
Updated
Ravisha’s Answer
I would also encourge you to look for opportunites suits your skill through online platforms like upwork.com, odesk.com so on. Also venture into creating your own start up by solving day to day challenges where people would willing take help from.
Victoria Baker
CyberSecurity
3
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Victoria’s Answer
Hey Shaina,
There are numerous online / virtual events.
Leading Companies Launch Consortium to Address AI's Impact on the Technology Workforce
https://newsroom.ibm.com/2024-04-04-Leading-Companies-Launch-Consortium-to-Address-AIs-Impact-on-the-Technology-Workforce
IBM SkillsBuildPower your future in tech with job skills, courses, and credentials—for free.
https://skillsbuild.org/
Investment in reskilling and upskilling initiatives
Many tech companies are investing in programs to train and certify individuals in in-demand digital skills to keep pace with technological advancements. Several companies have set ambitious goals:
-Microsoft: Aims to train and certify 10 million people from underserved communities by 2025 and has committed US$4bn to AI education.
-Google: Pledged €25 million to support AI training in Europe and provides scholarships for Google Career Certificates.
-IBM: Plans to coach 30 million individuals in digital skills by 2030.
-Cisco: Pledged to train 25 million people with cybersecurity and digital skills by 2032.
-SAP: Will upskill two million people worldwide by 2025.
-Amazon: Has an initiative to train employees for in-demand jobs. Investment in reskilling and upskilling initiatives
Good luck and check LinkedIn as well as other online communications.
There are numerous online / virtual events.
Leading Companies Launch Consortium to Address AI's Impact on the Technology Workforce
https://newsroom.ibm.com/2024-04-04-Leading-Companies-Launch-Consortium-to-Address-AIs-Impact-on-the-Technology-Workforce
IBM SkillsBuildPower your future in tech with job skills, courses, and credentials—for free.
https://skillsbuild.org/
Investment in reskilling and upskilling initiatives
Many tech companies are investing in programs to train and certify individuals in in-demand digital skills to keep pace with technological advancements. Several companies have set ambitious goals:
-Microsoft: Aims to train and certify 10 million people from underserved communities by 2025 and has committed US$4bn to AI education.
-Google: Pledged €25 million to support AI training in Europe and provides scholarships for Google Career Certificates.
-IBM: Plans to coach 30 million individuals in digital skills by 2030.
-Cisco: Pledged to train 25 million people with cybersecurity and digital skills by 2032.
-SAP: Will upskill two million people worldwide by 2025.
-Amazon: Has an initiative to train employees for in-demand jobs. Investment in reskilling and upskilling initiatives
Good luck and check LinkedIn as well as other online communications.
Thank you Victoria for the advice! Might as well start learning with IBM Skills!! Hopefully, I can get free certifications!! Thank you so much!!
Shaina
Ganga Kumar Ponnuri
I'm Java full stack developer
2
Answers
Columbus, Ohio
Updated
Ganga Kumar’s Answer
Hey! I get what you're going through — it can be really discouraging when it feels like everything’s happening in big cities and there's not much going on around you. I’ve been there too, and honestly, it’s tough.
But even from where we are, there are still ways to keep learning and growing. I’ve been trying to make the most of online stuff — like free webinars, virtual events, and even online groups on FB and LinkedIn where people share remote internships or programs.
There are also some great websites you can check out, like Youth Opportunities, Opportunity Desk, The Forage, or even Google Career Certificates. They’ve got a mix of global programs and free courses you can do from anywhere. Some even offer scholarships or travel support if ever you do need to go somewhere.
The fact that you're already searching for ways to improve and asking about it? That already says a lot about your drive. So don’t give up! Keep putting yourself out there — and if you ever want to swap ideas, share opportunities, or just talk about goals, I’d be happy to connect. 😊
I hope this will be helpful to you.
But even from where we are, there are still ways to keep learning and growing. I’ve been trying to make the most of online stuff — like free webinars, virtual events, and even online groups on FB and LinkedIn where people share remote internships or programs.
There are also some great websites you can check out, like Youth Opportunities, Opportunity Desk, The Forage, or even Google Career Certificates. They’ve got a mix of global programs and free courses you can do from anywhere. Some even offer scholarships or travel support if ever you do need to go somewhere.
The fact that you're already searching for ways to improve and asking about it? That already says a lot about your drive. So don’t give up! Keep putting yourself out there — and if you ever want to swap ideas, share opportunities, or just talk about goals, I’d be happy to connect. 😊
I hope this will be helpful to you.
Thank you for your encouragement, Ganga! I added you on Linkedin!! I am currently doing the google Coursera certificates + a little bit of Forage! Thank you for the website suggestions, will definitely take a look!!
Shaina
Paing Win
CPL [E-4]
2
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Paing’s Answer
Hello, Shaina,
For the challenging, I recommend to look local defense administrative, military, civic or find remote jobs. But before you have to upgrade yourself talents and skills. Twitch, Streamer, Blogger is also a type of job you can do. Have a job first for stable income after that you can do whatever you want. If you are student, I recommend to finish college. It's a part of investment. And don't forget to promote yourself. Work is a most thing people like to have an experience before you are finding a good work. Project, assignments, collab, find networking. LinkedIn, Meta and Instagram is the real if you want to connect people. Network is important too.
Dedication to study, dedication to work, support yourself and support your surrounding. Currently limited opportunities before you are a new in the shop or job. But if you stay more and work hard you have a potential that you can lead your team. That time you can do and invest in your jobs. Make sure your job is your home. There will be different kind of obstacles you have but don't forget there is somebody who support you.
Be a good leader in the team and/or be a good follower too. Sometimes it's hard to do the things you want to do. But make a list of them and one day you look back and did you do that if you can do.
For the challenging, I recommend to look local defense administrative, military, civic or find remote jobs. But before you have to upgrade yourself talents and skills. Twitch, Streamer, Blogger is also a type of job you can do. Have a job first for stable income after that you can do whatever you want. If you are student, I recommend to finish college. It's a part of investment. And don't forget to promote yourself. Work is a most thing people like to have an experience before you are finding a good work. Project, assignments, collab, find networking. LinkedIn, Meta and Instagram is the real if you want to connect people. Network is important too.
Dedication to study, dedication to work, support yourself and support your surrounding. Currently limited opportunities before you are a new in the shop or job. But if you stay more and work hard you have a potential that you can lead your team. That time you can do and invest in your jobs. Make sure your job is your home. There will be different kind of obstacles you have but don't forget there is somebody who support you.
Be a good leader in the team and/or be a good follower too. Sometimes it's hard to do the things you want to do. But make a list of them and one day you look back and did you do that if you can do.
Thank you Paing!!! Although, I dreaded my course so badd but I'm at my last year trying to graduate safely and the job market is truly scaring me!!!
Shaina
Larry McCay
Software Engineer and Management
1
Answer
Cherry Hill, New Jersey
Updated
Larry’s Answer
Hi Shaina,
You've already received some great advice, and I wanted to add a bit more about the opportunities in open source communities. Engaging with these communities can be a fantastic way to explore areas you are interested in. Many Apache Software Foundation projects, for example, need help in various areas.
You don't have to contribute code to make a difference. Here are some ways you can get involved:
1. Writing code
2. Testing new releases as a user
3. Improving documentation
4. Writing articles or blog posts about the project
Starting with documentation and writing articles can help you learn about the project’s features and workflows. This knowledge will not only assist the community but also prepare you to contribute in other ways, like testing and coding.
Try reaching out to projects that interest you through their user lists or Slack channels. Look for tasks labeled as beginner-friendly on platforms like Jira or GitHub. Also, ask if there are any documentation or other tasks you can help with.
Not every project will have immediate opportunities, and responses might vary, so it's a good idea to contact several projects.
I used a similar approach to help my son gain experience after school, and it worked well for him in his job search.
I hope you find this helpful!
Larry
Identify technical areas of interest.
Search for Open Source projects related to this interest.
Reach out to them on email lists and github projects for how to contribute as a beginner that would help the community.
Grow through the contribution levels to where you are able to contribute to the project or projects.
Rinse and repeat for other projects and communities and eventually find what your passion or niche may be.
You've already received some great advice, and I wanted to add a bit more about the opportunities in open source communities. Engaging with these communities can be a fantastic way to explore areas you are interested in. Many Apache Software Foundation projects, for example, need help in various areas.
You don't have to contribute code to make a difference. Here are some ways you can get involved:
1. Writing code
2. Testing new releases as a user
3. Improving documentation
4. Writing articles or blog posts about the project
Starting with documentation and writing articles can help you learn about the project’s features and workflows. This knowledge will not only assist the community but also prepare you to contribute in other ways, like testing and coding.
Try reaching out to projects that interest you through their user lists or Slack channels. Look for tasks labeled as beginner-friendly on platforms like Jira or GitHub. Also, ask if there are any documentation or other tasks you can help with.
Not every project will have immediate opportunities, and responses might vary, so it's a good idea to contact several projects.
I used a similar approach to help my son gain experience after school, and it worked well for him in his job search.
I hope you find this helpful!
Larry
Larry recommends the following next steps:
Simon Power
IT manager
3
Answers
London, England, United Kingdom
Updated
Simon’s Answer
Working remotely can be challenging, but it's definitely doable. Here are some tips for making remote connections better:
- Stay active on instant messaging and email. Respond quickly, follow through on commitments, keep everyone informed, and deliver results. This helps you stay in people's minds even from afar.
- Keep a positive and cheerful tone. Messages can be misunderstood, so being clearly positive helps build better relationships and prevents confusion.
- Offer positive feedback to others. This strengthens your connections.
- Be genuine and engaging. Share stories about yourself and encourage others to do the same.
In short, aim to be a positive, collaborative, and great person to work with, even from a distance.
- Stay active on instant messaging and email. Respond quickly, follow through on commitments, keep everyone informed, and deliver results. This helps you stay in people's minds even from afar.
- Keep a positive and cheerful tone. Messages can be misunderstood, so being clearly positive helps build better relationships and prevents confusion.
- Offer positive feedback to others. This strengthens your connections.
- Be genuine and engaging. Share stories about yourself and encourage others to do the same.
In short, aim to be a positive, collaborative, and great person to work with, even from a distance.
Your advice is helpful, Simon! I would love to job shadow your position someday!!! Although, I have to take care of the competition to make things doable hehe!!
Shaina
Francesco Formisano
Music producer
4
Answers
Trondheim, Sor-Trondelag, Norway
Updated
Francesco’s Answer
Online 100%.
Contact professionals in your field and offer value (service for free, help, possibilities... really everything you can). Ask for guidance ans experience, not for money. This is how you build a network from home and for free (paying with time),al and also valuable experience and cv
Contact professionals in your field and offer value (service for free, help, possibilities... really everything you can). Ask for guidance ans experience, not for money. This is how you build a network from home and for free (paying with time),al and also valuable experience and cv
And don't aim at the Juggernauts of your industry. As a music producer, I would not waste time writing to Skrillex, for example. He has all he needs ans probably his requirements are too high for me. But there are tons of other music producers above me who have roo much in their plate
Francesco Formisano
Hi Francesco!! Thank you for taking the time to give advice!! a 100% I feel comfortable doing things online!!
Shaina
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