In any profession, it’s a good idea to have a 4-year degree from a good institution.  However the cold, hard truth behind degrees in the media world is that they often hold very little water as far as getting a job goes.  This is why “who you know” matters.

Unlike in other professions, a media degree, even from the best school, offers very little assurance in the way of finding a job.  Even the best and brightest students, attending the finest institutions often find themselves at a loss upon graduating.

When seeking an entry-level media position, “who you know” is often just as important as “what you know.”  This is one reason why mentorship programs can be very helpful to anyone seeking to embark on a media related career.

Mentorship programs allow students to gain valuable first hand knowledge working in a real professional environment related to their chosen field of study.  Working under the tutelage of actual working professionals they may observe, assist or contribute to the actual work being done.

But perhaps more importantly, mentoring programs allow students to forge the contacts and connections that can prove integral to gaining a foothold in their chosen careers.

Thousands of students graduate from top-level schools annually.  A great many have excellent grades and fine academic record in general.  However, if one has actual connections in their chosen field, they may be able to get an inside track that puts them one step ahead of their competition.  This is why “who you know” matters.

The media is one of the most competitive sectors of the job market.  Talent and a degree are of course always helpful.  But in the cutthroat world of the media, they may only get one so far.  Students who participate in mentoring programs have the opportunity to dip their toes in the waters of the real world, outside the sphere of academia.

More importantly, they have the chance to impress others working in their field with their own professionalism.  In highly competitive fields like advertising, TV, film, radio, music and other media, students need to do what they can to set themselves apart from the competition.

By participating in a mentoring program they can establish the relationships they need to find a job once they have graduated.  Without such relationships it’s very easy to be lost in the shuffle with hundreds of other graduates.  This is why “who you know “ matters so much.

Why “Who You Know” Matters

Related posts:

1. Role of a Mentor
2. What is a Mentor?
3. Careers in Animation
4. Why “Who you Know” Matters
5. Role of an Apprentice