Dreaming of Forbes 30 Under 30? Here's How to Make It

Most people dream of making it onto the Forbes 30 Under 30 list—it's the epitome of success and achievement for young go-getters. But here's the thing: many think you get chosen for your accomplishments, when, in reality, just like giving a TED talk, you have to throw your hat in the ring to even be considered.

Nobody's out there scouring the globe, searching for you and your hidden talents. If you want something, you have to go get it. There are two ways to land on this distinguished list. Some reports claim that certain people have paid their way onto the list, and you can see why. It’s like having a golden ticket: the prestige, the bragging rights, the recognition from peers and friends. However, Forbes vehemently denies the possibility of buying your way in.

They emphasize that they do their own thorough research, reaching out to industry sources, analysts, venture capitalists, accelerators, and even past list alumni for recommendations. So, how do you get in? Well, you could be nominated by someone who’s already on the list. This involves networking, showing off a little, and convincing the right people that you’re worth it. Think of it as the adult version of raising your hand and shouting, "Pick me!"

Alternatively, there's the self-nomination route. You submit your application through the Forbes portal with a tightly-written letter that highlights your business achievements—like revenue, funding numbers, reputable backers, notable partners, and the overall impact you're making. It's all about selling yourself, and you’d better do it convincingly.

Keep in mind, there are 30 categories with 30 people each—that’s 900 spots in total and that is also region based. It might be easier to get on the list than you think, especially if you're a young achiever who’s used to setting high goals and putting pressure on yourself to tick them off the vision board.

But there's one catch: you can't be 30 years old. You need to be 29 or younger. So, if you're aiming for that spot, make sure you're ahead of the game and not counting down the days to your 30th birthday.