Nick Clegg recently called for internships not to be based on connections or money but on people's achievements. He believes that current internship places are mainly given to people with friends or family connections which is a blocker for social mobility. He called on government departments to re-assess their internship programs by making the schemes fairer and transparent, to negate the importance of people's connections. However, David Carmon defended the current system as the idea of giving a helping hand to people you already have a connection with is part of the natural course. 
Though it would be nice to think that we could exist in a world based on merit in reality we all use our connections and networks to get ahead in the world. That does not mean that only the rich and privileged can create these networks and connections. The internet may help open these networks up and foster connections which were previously unfeasible.
It has been said ‘its who you know not what you know’ that gets you ahead in the world emphasizing the importance of networking and people's connections. That's because networking and connections help to gain access to people, like opinion leaders, journalists and policy makers, by developing interpersonal relationships. This is a fundamental concept in public relations and other communication practices, such as public affairs, as access is needed to get your messages heard and helps create goodwill.
Jan Van Dijk and Manuel Castells work on Network society suggest that the internet has increased our ability to create these connection. This may completely change how this networking and connection are made. Social media and online communities have enabled people to create networks bypassing the geographical and social constraints, but also meant that individual's networks are far wider and interconnected. This suggests that people’s online networks could connect them with individuals who could grant or gain access to places and people unattainable otherwise.
The question is will these virtual networks translate into the real world?
I believe that these networks enable information to be disseminated to larger audience which may mean more people learn about opportunities such as internships. I do not think that these online networks will substitute interpersonal networks and connections ,such as family and friends, that provide the greatest advantage.
However, in the future these online networks may provide the interpersonal connection needed.
Picture Source http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-13173505
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-12983163
http://prblog.typepad.com/strategic_public_relation/2007/06/top-10-reasons-.html
Other Sources
http://www.utwente.nl/gw/vandijk/
http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Communication_Theory/Network_Society
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Network_theory
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-13173505
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-12983163
I think that online networks, such as LinkedIn, can be helpful in creating and maintaining professional relationships. It is more difficult, however, for someone who is just starting out or trying to break into a new field as in most cases it is necessary to have experience in the industry in order to make initial introductions. Blogging could be a good way for a graduate looking for an internship to make connections with professionals.
ReplyDeleteI think that people will always offer work experience to friends and family where possible - a practice that, although unfair, will not be eradicated by an increase in online networking.
I think the notion of providing jobs and helping people through special connections that someone has, it will never stop even if it is unfair sometimes. But, social media is a great tool in order to provide a person a job. I strongly believe that by using social networks (Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn) you can be given the chance to work with people that you never imagined before and this is a great feeling.
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ReplyDeleteI think you both make good points. I agree that people will always you their connection.
ReplyDeleteAnd that linkedIn and other social media can maintain connection and spread informtion, but Im still sceptical on whether it can be used to create these connections