There is this interesting talk you hear sometimes in your grad college about " increasing your visibility ". I am pretty sure for all of us it is just an interesting talk, no one gets a hang of what it really is all about. It takes you some time either in your job or post-grad to realise how important this concept really is and how some of your classmates used it so well to succeed in your grad college. The earlier you understand this concept, the easier it is for you in your life. It doesn't come natural to some people and others who master this concept benefit at their cost. This might seem like some cheap tactics to achieve personal gains but in reality it is a part of the culture and as much a reality as office politics. Thus it is more of a skill which is a part of an individual's personality. The real professional life is governed by many such personality driven factors and not just by knowledge. A good visibility, rapport and network is as much an asset