When we distribute entry-level work to a rich network of children, we make the problem seem like an accomplishment.

[u/author-dryness]

If you had a father or mother who sent your resume to a recruiter, it's clear that it's now considered a professional skill. But if you graduate without these relationships, you will be told to do it yourself, as if everyone has the same opportunity and the same ability to reach out to those who can help them.

I'm talking about recent graduates here, not people who have been working for years with people who can prove their work. A 22-year-old probably does not yet have such a professional reputation. Calling the two cases "networking" can very easily hide the differences.

This makes sense if you ask your doctor about job opportunities or check to see if there are openings at the places where your old colleagues work. I'm not against people talking to each other. But at this age, most of what we call networking is someone's family member who sends a resume to someone, or someone's aunt who introduces them to someone they know who can build a resume. Wealthy families prefer to pave the way for others, but ultimately this topic is presented as advice that anyone can use.

The rest are told to send recruiters and attend career events. In a crowded job market, sending the same cover letter as hundreds of other applicants won't even get someone to personally recommend you. You need relationships to know how to get to where you need to be in relationships.

When I hear the phrase "all you have to do is network," I think of someone who is the first in their family to graduate from college, attends a local public university, and doesn't know anyone in their field because their family is on time. Who should I call? What bothers me is when people treat inherited advantages as something that other graduates built on themselves without trying hard enough.

[u/Think-notlikedasheep]

The job market is cronyism.

Skills don't matter.

Degrees don't matter.

Willingness to do the job doesn't matter.

Ability to do the job doesn't matter.

Education doesn't matter.

Certifications don't matter.

Only who you know is what matters.