How many thought going to college is networking (interview, employers, job)

[NJ Brazen_3133]

How many thought going to college is networking? I always hear that younger generations fail to use networking. But I think that most of us thought that college is a network. Going in, I understood they would bring employers to the school and guarantee me an interview. Which is what I got. But nothing came out of it. I talk to my older cousin and says I have to "network", and that made no sense to me because I thought that is what I just did. He explains further, and I realize, I have to "network" further, and actually know someone personally to get me hired. To me, that meant getting hired because I am a friend of someone, and I equate that to nepotism. Which is a real turn-off for me. I told myself a long time ago never to take part in "nepotism"

[marie5v]

I don't think networking with students is very helpful at most schools (with the possible exception of some fraternities and sororities). However, it will help among professors, administrators, staff, etc. Those are the people more likely to help you get a job, or at least write you a reference.

And getting an interview or job because you know somebody personally does make it nepotism. Nepotism is favoritism given in the absence of actual qualifications. Presumably you would have the qualifications as well.

[ragnarkar]

Originally Posted by marie5v

I don't think networking with students is very helpful at most schools (with the possible exception of some fraternities and sororities). However, it will help among professors, administrators, staff, etc. Those are the people more likely to help you get a job, or at least write you a reference.

And getting an interview or job because you know somebody personally does make it nepotism. Nepotism is favoritism given in the absence of actual qualifications. Presumably you would have the qualifications as well.

For short-term gains (i.e. getting a job after graduation), networking with professors, admin, or even graduate students is helpful.

For long-term gains, networking with fellow students is helpful.. you never know who will be a key person at a company you'd like to join in 15 years.

[NJ Brazen_3133]

Originally Posted by marie5v

And getting an interview or job because you know somebody personally does make it nepotism. Nepotism is favoritism given in the absence of actual qualifications. Presumably you would have the qualifications as well.

That is just extreme nepotism. Getting a job because you know someone is still favoritism.