I think this isn't controversial on the tech side, but on the business side it is absolutely 100% more important to deeply understand the business and build a meaningful, useful network than it is to half-ass your way on the tech side. As careers advance in business, doors to new opportunities open primarily based on one's reputation & network, so it pays dividends to focus on cultivating those starting as early as possible. "Managing up" should not be an epithet, but a way of life.