<p>I understand OPs concern, it is so close to what my D is experiencing. Just yesterday D. mentioned about a friend not appreciating her job, and that job as my D. described to me she could only dream about, b/c it is available only to Daughters and Sons, not to outsiders. We are talking about 18 - 19 years old kids. People with experience / education and references in professional fields are in a different situation - I am there, but my D. is not yet. She is trying very hard and hopes that it will pay off, she knows she cannot rely on anybody else. She is not bitter, she just keeps it in mind as a fact of life to avoid frustration in cases like that. That the only attitude that seems to be reasonable that I can advise to OP to have.</p>
<p>I had no connections, family or otherwise. I did very well in high school, went to a middle-tier college (chose it because it was inexpensive and I was paying for it myself) and did well enough to get myself into a top-ten law school. Doing very well in law school got me a job at a prestigious NYC law firm. Then I worked my butt off for years. I never had a job that was much better than minimum wage in high school or college. I never had an internship. I know lots of people who got to the same place I am (or better) through connections, but you can also get there through hard work.</p>
<p>I got my first job through the job placement office at U of Wash. Every other job I’ve gotten has been through promotion or connections. Connections ALL came from people I got to know while volunteering on non-profit boards and political campaigns.</p>
<p>It is to some degree who know - so get to know people. Put yourself in positions where decision makers and “captains of industry” can see your work ethic and notice your talents.</p>