6 degrees of Separation...

Could this be true? Danielle has found a profound purpose to social-networking sites like Facebook! (Ok, so the third person reference is a bit much). Yet, since graduating a year ago, my feelings on the whole social networking thing has been capricious. Not to say i am/was against it, but having to see "social networking" listed as a required qualification for jobs became too much. However, the benefits of having Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter accounts have become quite apparent. I applied for an editorial assistant position at one of the most notable African-American women's lifestyle magazine. After sending my materials via email to HR, i decided to go on Facebook and message a couple of Editors at the publication. As i searched for each editor and reached out to them, i wondered how they would determine whether or not to reply and "be-friend" me or just delete my message as if it was spam. It then came to me-I have friends on Facebook that are editors and reporters for magazines, newspapers and news-sites. Taken into consideration the "six degrees of separation" concept, 9 times out of 10 we have common friends. Meaning, if the editors see my message, they can click on our common friends and see that i have good connections in Chicago...which ultimately may land me the J.O.B! So there you have it, i have found a reason to login in, "be-friend," "tweet," and electronically networking my little heart out!