[themightytimmah]

Connections help a lot - I applied for a couple internships, and I ended up getting one with my dad's employer. I found that the key there was my interview (I came very well dressed, had answers and previous work stories ready, and chatted up the interviewer about some of his personal interests).

I ended up beating out more than a few applicants who were better qualified on paper. The HR manager told me that my dad's name got me in the door, but it wasn't good enough to get me the job - the interview was key on that.