Blog #6

 

Social capital is defined as the benefits and advantages people have due to their social ties and relationships with others. Building a social network, virtually or in reality, can be seen as a necessity living in the twenty first century. It does not only dictate your ability to hear and learn new information, but also to reciprocate and influence others. The number of relationship ties someone has can be translated to the amount of influence one possesses. The amount of social capital people have allow them to do certain things they wouldn’t be able to do on their own. The accumulation of social capital has helped me greatly in my work life. I was able to secure my first job through the relationships I had with people who were already working in the company. Due to referrals, I was able to get ahead of everyone else applying for the same position. Furthermore, I was able to have influence over my friends entering the company as well. Using the social network I had at work, I was able to refer my friends and provide them with jobs in the same company. Social capital works both ways in giving and gaining help from your social network.