It’s Not What You Know, It’s Who You Know
Start writing a post
Student Life

It’s Not What You Know, It’s Who You Know

The truth behind this saying.

43
It’s Not What You Know, It’s Who You Know
Divine Force 61 via Wordpress

I have always despised the statement “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” I hated the idea that if someone had inside connections, but less of the qualifications for a job than someone else, they would still receive a job offer over the other. I always hated the idea that the people with “connections” would always prosper over those working so hard to get a job, or get their foot in the door somewhere.

While I still am not a fan of this saying, and probably never will be, I think there is something to be said about what you know versus who you know.

There’s this idea of the six degrees of separation, which if you are unfamiliar is a 1900’s theory that anyone on Earth can be connected by no more than five intermediaries. While this may not be a totally accurate theory, and no, you may never find your six degrees to Barack Obama, Justin Bieber, or the Queen of England, there is a definite truth to the idea that we are a society that is becoming more and more deeply connected with every passing day (Thanks, technology.)

A few months ago I read a story about a girl desperately trying to break into the magazine world, and she decided she was going to find her six degrees of separation to whoever could get her the job she wanted, and spoiler alert, she eventually did. So maybe, is it more about who you know rather than what you know?

Well then, let’s talk about what you know. With so many people applying for jobs across the world, knowing something must be a huge factor, right? How could anyone hire someone they know over someone more qualified? Well, that doesn’t really seem to be the case anymore. Is this because more and more people are becoming qualified for jobs, and resume after resume all look the same, and why not hire someone you know through acquaintances anyway? Maybe, but who knows, I sure don’t.

But sometimes, it is more about what you know. Skills and education are undeniable, and almost impossible to ignore. If you’ve got the ability, you’re halfway there.

Don’t get me wrong, keep fine tuning your resume, keep learning, keep educating yourself. I am a huge proponent of the what you know side of this argument, it just can get difficult sometimes in our ever-so-connected world. Trust me, sometimes I want to drop everything I’m doing and go out and find my five intermediaries to Anna Wintour, Julie Strauss-Gabel, or any of the people who plan and market the KROQ events.

But, what I have really learned, especially after working in an office this summer is this:

It’s not what you know, it’s who know, but once you get inside it’s all about what you know, and if you can’t reach the standard you will be out just as quickly and easily as you were brought in.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

43617
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

27429
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

952311
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

147189
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments