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How do you see meritocracy inside a company?

I am searching for an interniship, but I am seeing that sometimes people get a job easier when there is someone inside the conpany that rely on them, that has been indicated by someone else. But is it a problem for meritrocacy? I say, a person that does not have someone inside the company to indicate him. #management #civil-engineering #industrial-engineering #executive-office #logistics #energy #supply-chain #energy-engineering

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Calvin’s Answer

There is a cynical saying: "It's not what you know, It's who you know". This saying has been around longer than I have been alive. It is unfortunate that quite a few people succeed based on their "connections", rather than their abilities. That being said, it is quite possible to succeed without having connections. My older brothers and sister were the first generation in my family to attend college. I came from a small farm and attended college several states away from my home. My first job was in a state even farther from my home, so I had no connections.

I have had good managers, and poor managers. I would say that in engineering (or technical occupations) one is more likely to succeed without connections than in other, less technical occupations. This is because your suggestions, ideas, and actions are more likely to be easier and quicker to determine their value than in other less technical areas.
I guess it all boils down to: keep trying your best, work hard, and don't get discouraged and you will be more likely to succeed than to get discouraged by how unfair life can be.
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Joseph’s Answer

Echoing some of the points above, it is critical to build a network as, in my experience, who you know is critical to getting your resume on the radar of hiring managers. Unfortunately the hiring process as become so automated now that knowing someone is the only way to get your application looked at by a human in many cases. Networking requires a lot of effort and building actual relationships. It is not simply asking for a business card and then going on LinkedIn to connect with the person. You may not realize it, but you are networking on a daily basis. People you meet in school may someday help you get a contact at a company.

Also, make sure you are looking into all ways to network. Informational interviews are a great way to attempt to get time on an influential persons schedule. If you see an internship or job you are interested in, attempt to invite the person out to coffee or request an informational interview to learn more about the position. Many colleges offer free lectures or even courses online which can lead to meeting influential people. There are many groups that hold networking events so search online for those. Make sure you are using LinkedIn and building your network there as you may find connections of your connections that could be helpful.
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Kenn’s Answer

I got my first internship at a job (internship) fair, i got to introduce myself, and give my pitch. If this is a option for you it is a great way to have face to face with companies hiring team and close some gaps. There are plenty of roles, especially so early in your career, you are not expected to have connections within the company or a ton of relevant experience. Make sure your resume is clean and you have called out any experience relevant to the role. In any field candidates who know someone will have a slight advantage because they will have someone advocating for them but it is not a guarantee! Keep at it, there are plenty of companies and plenty of roles!

best of luck!
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Michael’s Answer

To get my first job in Oil & Gas I had to interview a lot; I had more than 30 interviews as a matter of fact. I did not know anyone in the business and it was tough getting that first job. Every job change I made after that was by networking. Having experience and a good reputation will open up opportunities that are unlikely to go to someone who has no experience or is an unknown. In the contract engineering business, most of the people I work with are people of merit. They do good work. Those that do not are typically the first to go when downsizing becomes necessary.

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Christophe’s Answer

Hi There


To me , this is not a issue or challenge with meritocracy . This is more a challenge linked to professional networking. You are right saying , that if You know someone within the focused company that could be in position to brand You or endorse your skills and knowledge , getting the job will be easier : so pay attention to your network and develop it on regular basis.


Meritocracy will be use within the company for annual evaluation and will or (will not) give You the capability to evolve and thrive within the company based on a method that could help evaluators ( mainly your boss or people who worked with You) to rank You against other contributors


Cheers
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