at FDX you have to have some (3) internal recommendations and one sponsor. You might have all the spaceshuttle, AirForce1, stealth -qualifications in the world and still be a jackass. Your sponsor somewhat puts his reputation on the line for you.

Who you know will help get you in the door and that's 80% of it. The rest is solely up to you. Had your roomate gotten to the interview and been a arrogant jerk in the panel or blown the sim, he wouldn't have the job.