Brifing

Tech CEO advises unemployed Gen Z to network 3 days a week

The secret to landing dream jobs lies in building connections, not just applications.

Fortune | FORTUNE1 min

1The power of networking

Netskope CEO Sanjay Beri believes networking is far more effective than applying to job postings. The best opportunities are never advertised, and knowing the right people opens doors. LinkedIn listings are just the tip of the iceberg in the job market.

2Advice for Gen Z

Beri recommends Gen Z individuals without family obligations attend 2-3 networking events weekly. These could be university talks, industry conferences, or simple coffee meetings. Consistency is key to building meaningful professional relationships.

3Job search challenges

Gen Z faces AI screening systems and unresponsive employers. In the UK, 1.2 million applications were submitted for just 17,000 graduate positions. One math graduate applied to over 1,000 roles without securing a single offer.

4The meal networking strategy

Beri's top tip: 'Never eat alone'. Turn lunches and dinners into networking opportunities. Inspired by Keith Ferrazzi's book, this philosophy can lead to life-changing connections over shared meals.

5Personal experiences

Before founding Netskope, Beri regularly attended investor events. Connections made there later helped him secure funding. Founded in 2012, Netskope became a unicorn in six years and went public last year.

6Long-term networking benefits

Networking isn't just about finding jobs—it's a career-long investment. The right connections prove invaluable for future opportunities, partnerships, and investors. Beri's success stands as testament to networking's power.

Original article: Fortune | FORTUNE — CEO'ya göre işsiz Gen Z haftada 3 gün network kurmalı