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It's not who you know but what you know about your network

Posted by Arjun Moorthy

Jul 21, 2011 4:15:00 PM

There's a cliché when it comes to job hunting: "it's not what you know but who you know."  Of late I've been thinking if and when this is actually true.

Early in one's career the cliché is probably less true.  I landed my first couple jobs not because I knew someone at that company but because of whatever skills/credentials I had (until they found out I actually didn't have those skills but by then it was too late... ha ha, suckers!  kidding).  And this experience seemed true of my classmates and most other people I've worked with.  Indeed, early in their careers most people seem to be hired for what they know.

the social network movie poster

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Topics: career path, career advice

Don't be a manager early in your career path

Posted by Arjun Moorthy

Jun 15, 2011 5:33:00 PM

After nearly 5 years of undergrad computer engineering I was thrilled to be done with school and finally earn some money.  My first job was as a Program Manager at RealNetworks, a hot tech startup back in 1999.  I was attracted to this role because instead of a traditional "code monkey" job I got to be a "manager" - a modern day misnomer itself but I digress.  In retrospect this single decision was the highest opportunity cost I've incurred in my career.

Management sucks

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Topics: career path, management, first job

Career Advice I Wish I Knew Earlier 

Hello.  I started this blog to distribute some of the best career advice I have been given over the many jobs I've had.  I've been fortunate to work for and with some great bosses like Brian Halligan, Francis DeSouzaNancy Kamei, and Rick Roberge, and some unique companies, like The Boston Consulting Group, that invest heavily in making each employee a success even after leaving the firm.

The advice and training I received here stands in contrast to my experiences with some not-so-great bosses and companies I've also worked for.  I'm continualy amazed at how valuable good advice has been in my career so I hope to pass on the good advice, and insights from mistakes I've made, via this blog. 

Thanks in advance for your comments, particularly when you can improve upon the ideas posted.

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