Networking Paradox for Gen Z
· news
The Networking Paradox: When Experience Meets Privilege
Sanjay Beri, the $5 billion CEO of Netskope, has sparked controversy with his suggestion that Gen Z workers should spend two to three times a week attending networking events to get ahead in their careers. This advice relies on a fundamental assumption: that everyone has equal access to these opportunities.
Beri’s own story is an example of how networking can be both a privilege and a recipe for disaster. He went from working at an IT help desk in Toronto to running a Silicon Valley tech company, thanks in part to his connections with Microsoft’s former chairman John W. Thompson. However, what about those who don’t have the luxury of attending exclusive investor and VC events? What about those struggling to make ends meet while job hunting?
Networking requires resources – time, money, and social capital. It’s not something that can be easily replicated in a crowded and competitive job market. For Gen Z workers already drowning in AI-screened applications and ghosted interviews, the idea of spending even more time attending networking events is cruel.
Beri’s advice is tone-deaf because it ignores systemic inequalities that prevent people from accessing these opportunities. His suggestion that young people should “show up to enough dinners” overlooks the fact that many are locked out of the job market altogether.
The irony is that Beri’s philosophy may have worked for him, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Research has shown that networking can lead to an uneven distribution of resources and opportunities. Those who are already well-connected tend to get more out of these events, while those on the outside looking in often find themselves stuck.
This is not just about individual talent or work ethic – it’s about systemic barriers that prevent certain groups from accessing power and privilege. Studies have shown that women and people of color face significant obstacles when trying to build their professional networks. They may be excluded from exclusive events or clubs, or struggle to find mentors who share their experiences.
The emphasis on networking has also led to a culture of superficial relationships and transactional connections. People are more focused on collecting business cards than building genuine friendships or finding meaningful work. This reflects a larger problem that values quantity over quality in our professional lives.
As we move forward, it’s essential to have a nuanced conversation about the role of networking in career development. We need to acknowledge the limitations and biases within these systems and create more inclusive and equitable opportunities for everyone. This means investing in programs that promote diversity and inclusion, such as mentorship schemes or training initiatives that address systemic barriers.
Ultimately, the future of work is not about who you know but what you can offer. It’s about developing skills and experiences that are valuable in their own right, regardless of industry or company affiliation. By focusing on these qualities rather than networking events, we may create a more sustainable and equitable job market for all.
We need to stop telling people that the secret to success lies in showing up to enough dinners. It’s time to rethink our assumptions about what it takes to get ahead – and start creating systems that truly give everyone a fair shot at success.
Reader Views
- ADAnalyst D. Park · policy analyst
Beri's emphasis on face-to-face networking overlooks the elephant in the room: the increasing reliance on digital platforms for job searching and professional development. Gen Z workers are already spending countless hours perfecting their online presence, crafting algorithm-friendly resumes, and navigating the minefield of applicant tracking systems. Rather than encouraging them to attend more networking events, we should be prioritizing policies that level the playing field and ensure equal access to these digital resources, regardless of socioeconomic background or physical location.
- RJReporter J. Avery · staff reporter
Beri's advice on networking misses a crucial point: that it's not just about quantity of events attended, but also quality and access. In cities with high costs of living, attending networking events can be a luxury even for those who are employed. Without guaranteed access to resources, connections, or financial stability, these events only serve to widen the gap between the haves and have-nots in the job market. A more effective approach might focus on creating inclusive spaces that facilitate meaningful interactions rather than just throwing people together in a room.
- EKEditor K. Wells · editor
Beri's suggestion that Gen Z workers should invest time and money in networking events is not only tone-deaf but also naive about the power dynamics at play. What he fails to acknowledge is that these events are often a microcosm of the broader social and economic structures that privilege those already holding power. The real solution lies not in attendance, but in creating platforms that level the playing field for marginalized groups – think mentorship programs, apprenticeships, and inclusive industry initiatives that break down barriers to entry.