It's not what you know...or who you know...

I just got out of a class lecture where we discussed how important it is to build a strong network. The professor kept stressing "it's not what you know, it's who you know". It seemed the majority of the class agreed because some students elaborated by stating "My friends and I are trying to get internships in New York for the summer, and each of my friends have accepted an internship because they knew someone that helped them out in New York. But I'm still searching and applying because I don't have that network." This struck a chord...

For me, I think networking can be one of two things. It can be 1.) the best tool or 2.) complete bull shit. I don't think it's necessarily about who you know. I think it's more about what these people you know are willing to do for you. You can build your network all you want, and attempt to create a strong relationship with these people but at the end of the day, if this same desire isn't reciprocated from the other party...your network is worthless. For me, I know quite a few people in New York, but still am struggling to find a job post grad. By no means do I assume some one to just hand it to me on a platter, and say "here's a job!". I think I'm doing a lot for myself searching and scouring my network, online job search engines, company websites, etc... But without the right network of people my efforts fall flat. It is so frustrating to know I am so close to my dream and my goal but can't reach it. It is frustrating because I know I'm doing all I can given my shitty network but it's still not enough. Not to mention being in North Carolina not New York adds limitations too.

Perhaps taking a step back, and finding my "gatekeeper" to NYC will help me reset. I'm so blinded right now by my frustrations that I can't see clearly anymore where I am on this journey. Maybe I'm not entirely ready for the city...

Nevertheless, with or without the right network I'm going to figure this out eventually. I might need to reassess my time line, but I am definitely not going to give up that easily.