<p>My son landed his first real job from a former classmate that was already in the working world (he was two years ahead of son). This classmate pushed him hard for two positions in his own company and another organization. This classmate was really big into personal networking. Those are the type that can really help you out - they know you, what you can do and will go to bat for you.</p>
<p>I think that networking where someone doesn’t know you that well or at all isn’t as effective as the person can pass your resume along but can’t make a personal recommendation. I can take a resume from a BC or BU grad for a position that I know is open but can’t make a personal recommendation - and that personal recommendation is something that gets people hired all other things being equal.</p>
<p>BTW, the strange thing is that once you get a job, people come looking to hire you.</p>