Networking

The most frustrating phrase known to people just starting out in the media business (or indeed any business for that matter) is 'it's not what you know, but who you know'. Earlier this year Nick Clegg was outlining the coalition's plans for internships because this very principle is outdated and frankly wrong, and the government realised something needed to be done. It was at this point that the national media took great delight in telling people that this was the way Mr Clegg got his start in life.

It is understandable that people would want to hire others they know for which they can be assured of reliability - it saves lengthy interviews and a lot of boring admin. And do you know what...? With everyone overworked and underpaid I don't blame them.

This breed of nepotism is heavily criticised across society until you experience it yourself and suddenly it's not so bad after all. I freely admit it's not the fairest way of gaining employment, and when you're overlooked (even though you're better qualified) because someone doing the hiring is mates with one of the candidates then yes, that's gonna hurt. But in the media, networking is a recognised way of getting a job.

It's all about people-skills. If you can't stand up there and meet and greet, or approach someone in person to ask for a little help here and there, the media business probably isn't going to be your friend. I've had two mini-breaks in the media (as in I've taken a step towards the ladder - I'm not at the dizzy heights yet where I'm going to put a foot on it). Both of my mini-breaks came from networking - a contact - someone who knew someone, who knew someone, who knew someone...

The chances are that most people will fit into that category - 'I know someone who knows someone else...' If the six degrees of separation really exists and we're meant to be no further from six connections away from every person on the planet, then finding someone that works in a particular industry isn't going to be that hard.

And on a day where hiring rates are at a three-year low, we young folk might have to accept the fact that our only way into employment is to be invited in by someone else... Like Spotify used to be...