(Q2) I'M GRADUATING FROM COLLEGE this year and my father is so worried about my getting a job he arranged for me to come home from campus (three hours each way) to meet with a man who my father hires to do marketing for his company. I don't know if that's what I want to do for a career, and I don't think this guy has a job to offer me and I wonder if it's worth the time and trouble. I don't want to hurt my father's feeling, but is this useful?
(A) EVERY HANDSHAKE IS HELPFUL if it fits into the realm of "networking" and this certainly does. In addition, this man will really try and give you important tips, since your father is a client. Also, if you make the right impression, he will keep your resume handy and pass it to others who may have work for you. Never say "no" to any chance to meet anyone who is successful. That's what opens career doors that you hope to go through. Six hours is a very small price to pay for that. (Give your father some points here. He's doing all the right things for you.)