Networking Is the Only Real Skill. Everything Else Is Taught After.
Let me tell you something they won’t write in the curriculum.
It’s not your degree.
It’s not your certifications.
It’s not even your “passion” or your GitHub heatmap.
It’s who you know.
Or more specifically
who knows you, who rates you, and who’s willing to open a door because they like your vibe.
I’ve worked with people who couldn’t troubleshoot a Wi-Fi issue but had “Senior” in their title.
People who couldn’t set up a Zoom call but somehow led entire product orgs.
People who said “What’s a Docker?” and were still flown out for strategy offsites.
I once had a higher-up true story
who couldn’t use basic keyboard shortcuts.
CTRL+C like this was rocket science.
But there they were: well-paid, respected, and “driving innovation.”
Why?
Because uncle is on the board.
Because her father funded the company.
Because their last name carried more weight than your whole résumé.
And you?
You, the actual dev.
You, the one pushing code and fixing production at 1AM.
You’re still refreshing your inbox waiting for HR to get back to you.
They told us if we “work hard,” we’d succeed.
That meritocracy would sort it all out.
LMAO.
The real system is built on brunches, backchannels, and belonging to the right WhatsApp group.
It’s not fair.
But it’s real.
And once you realize it, the game changes.
You stop trying to win just by being “the best.”
You start playing like a human not a hopeful algorithm.
Because in this world?
Relationships are currency.
Warm intros are worth more than cold skills.
And nepotism is just networking with a better headstart.
I’m not saying give up.
I’m saying get smart.
Be visible.
Be strategic.
Be in the rooms where the shortlists are written before the job is even posted.
Follow the decision-makers.
Leave a mark.
Say something memorable.
Stop building in silence.
You can’t outwork a system you don’t understand.
But you can out-maneuver it.
Yeah, it hurts to see people rise on connections while you’re building real skills.
But it hurts worse to stay invisible while thinking merit alone will save you.
So let the pain fuel you.
Not just to “grind”
but to position.
To align.
To play the long game.
Because the truth is:
Networking is the only real skill. Everything else gets taught after you’re already in the room.