For me it also was a lot like that. During my freelance time I not once had to search for a client and they all came via referral. I was above average good and

For me it also was a lot like that. During my freelance time I not once had to search for a client and they all came via referral. I was above average good and fast at what I did while being extremely clear in my communication. That alone meant people recommended me when someone had a problem or a project revolving about what I am good at. Nearly all of that happened during my studies, with some of it being direct contacts from university.