"Success is where preparation and opportunity meet". I attended a law school workshop and networking event yesterday. You gotta network. In every profession, it's who you know and if you're in the right place at the right time, that will sometimes get you where you need to be.
The keynote speaker, a partner at a prestigious law firm, told us her story as an illustration of how branching out can make the difference in your career. She got no interviews after her first year of law school so she contacted PALS (practicing attorneys for law students) to sharpen her interviewing skills. There, someone was so impressed with her, that they recommended her to a firm. She was rejected from the firm (and she pulled out her rejection letter from more than a decade ago). Years later she tried again, (and she pulled out her firm's stationary with her name on it) was extended an offer, and she is now a partner there- all stemming from PALS and some effort.
During cocktail hour I met a few people who knew some of my friends. I also met law students attending the schools that my friends are attending now- this was mutually productive.
Some time ago my roommate recommended me to her company. This week I have my third and final round of interviews there, which is comforting with the prospect of unemployment looming in the horizon. Networking works.
Though on second thought, on friday, I went to meet with a headhunter about a potential job. When I started filling out my application and releases, I noticed my high school classmate sitting adjacent to my headhunter and I stared at the consumer report release that I was about to sign and thought to run away. There was no escaping her. I stayed, (did not sign the releases) maintained my composure, and managed a "hey there, how are you?" even though she tried to avoid my glance (in spite of me standing a few feet away from her face). So in this case- networking failure. Knowing too many people can and will hurt you in some instances. This may sound trivial, but it's not just about knowing people, it's about having good relationships with them as well. I had two friends in high school and 186 enemies (or questionable acquaintances). This did not work in my favor. So with networking comes responsibility and pressure to not just know, but to maintain- to maintain good relationships.
This all reminds me of one of my favorite new york perks- not knowing your neighbors. You can pass out on your hallway one morning in your vomit (this, of course, has not happened to me) and no one will know-no one will judge. You do what you really want because no one is watching. Anonyminity is liberating but sometimes limiting. Networking opens doors but can hinder. It's the dichotomy between freedom and security. Not knowing people allows you a certain amount of freedom to do whatever, whenever. Knowing a lot of people, on the other hand, gives you a certain protection and security---if you play your cards right.
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