Hard working helps but not enough. Connection helps more. At least in my career.

I couldn't get a job after graduation (post dot com bust). I started master, and in one of the class, I did the group project myself. One of the member of the group project was manager who got me the interview at her company and hired me.

Hard work and productivity are table stakes. Connections are the next step.

Did the same work dynamic play out after you started working there?