It's Who You Know by Nicole

It's Who You Know by Nicole - July 2016 Scholarship Essay

Junior year: some say the most demanding and challenging year of high school, as there are AP exams, SAT and ACT tests, and students enroll in difficult courses. They begin to tour colleges, and think about applications. It’s the time of year to seek advice from guidance counselors about the future. However, I’ve noticed that throughout my years in high school, one lesson I’ve learned from a teacher has always been superior to all the rest.

I’m enrolled in the Finance major in my high school, and my Economics teacher is known for previously holding a high position in a major company. She’s inspired me to seek a career in the financial field due to her superb teaching abilities, and lessons I’ve learned from her. Nevertheless, besides just educating me on the book smarts, she’s taught me the single most important piece of advice I could ever know. It’s not what you know, it’s who you know. The latter is especially prominent in the business realm as people acquire jobs, more often than not, when they are referred by someone, or know someone else at a company. Nonetheless, I believe that one must be qualified for a job, and not just able to obtain it because of nepotism. However, I still feel that it is extremely significant to begin networking at an early age as it can help you later on.

This year I’ve become aware that in life its crucial to be in the right place in the right time, and say the right things to the right people. In some cases, doing this may be of greater importance than where you went to school. And so, I’ve learned to capitalize on opportunities to meet new people as they all are helpful on the road to success.