Gen Z, Here's How to Network

I consider myself to be an ambivert, through and through.

Mixers and social gatherings fill my battery just as much as time with myself or a more intimate conversation do, depending on the day and how I’m feeling.

Growing up, I was always comfortable talking to people.

Sure, I didn’t converse often with people I didn’t know, but when I had the opportunity to, I felt relatively confident (thank you, customer service job).

Admittedly, when it came to networking for my career and professional growth, I had a lot to learn.

I didn’t know who I should seek out, how to talk to the people I was interested in speaking with, how to cultivate strong, lasting relationships, how to ask for something and provide something in return, and so on.

Through much trial and error, I developed a networking strategy that worked well for me and continues to influence my approach to meeting new people.

Here’s what I suggest Gen Z early career professionals do to set their social capital apart:

1. Turn “I don’t know how” and “I don’t know where to start” into “I’ll give it a go”

When I speak with students, two of the most common responses I hear to exploring networking opportunities are “I don’t know how” and “I don’t know where to start.” To those retorts, I say, you’ll never get anywhere if you don’t start or give it a try.

Like learning any new skill, we often doubt our abilities or face bouts of imposter syndrome. Networking often feels like a high-stakes skill – I used to think it was the end of the world if I fumbled my elevator pitch to a recruiter or new contact – when, in reality, it starts as a conversation about anything you want.

When introducing yourself to someone new, whether in-person or online, determine what you want out of the interaction. Are you interested in learning about the person’s career path? Their presentation that they just gave? Their major and how it’s influenced their career? Are you seeking opportunities at their workplace? By setting an intention for going into the conversation, you can take control, establish your needs, and mingle meaningfully.?

When I started networking for my career, my conversations would go all over the place. While it’s fine to divert from your goals or your desired takeaways, keep your priorities straight to get the most out of the interaction, especially if you’re feeling intimidated. You won’t know your style or the approach that works for you until you give it a try.

To get started:?

• Give a reason for reaching out and wanting to connect (same alma mater, like their LinkedIn banner photo, notice something about their experience, have a question about “x”, etc.)
• Share 2 pieces of applicable information about yourself (major & field of interest, current role & skills, etc.)
• Suggest a way to continue the conversation (provide times you can meet)
• Attach something for them to get to learn more about you (resume, portfolio or website link, a recent post you shared, a callback to your LinkedIn profile, etc.)

2. Remember, quality > quantity

You’ve likely heard this before, but quality over quantity is crucial to building purposeful connections. I used to think that growing my network more and more would give me opportunities, an abundance of people in my corner, and the ability to claim that I have a “strong” network.

I’ve learned, however, that it’s those few deep relationships that truly help you realize the value of your network. Take time to cultivate strong connections over repeated coffee chats, timely check-ins, mutual support of work, collaborations, advice giving and receiving, and any other ways that make sense for both of your career journeys.?

Sure, Gen Z is making 28.7% more monthly connections than millennials, 54.7% more than Gen X, and 143.5% (over twice as many) than boomers ( Fast Company ). However, this generation is letting others know that they’re focused on meaning-making and a solid match when it comes to a connection that they want to keep around.?

3. Use avenues that work for YOU, and be sure to follow up

Personally, my favorite ways to network are in-person events & conferences, online community forums, and social media platforms. I think I show my best character and passion in person, but I like the way I communicate over a message or post. This is my preference, but it doesn’t have to be yours!

According to a recent Handshake Network Trends report, Gen Z is utilizing online career platforms the most, followed by employer websites, friends, social networking sites, career centers, professors, and family to boost their networks. With a variety of options out there and many ways to gain equitable access to people and possibilities, it’s easier than ever to lean into a style that works for you.

It’s helpful to be aware of industry trends and tendencies, but overall, there’s a wealth of ways to tap into community, whether online or in person, and that’s largely thanks to Gen Z and their digital literacy. Gone are the days where meeting in person is the norm and showing up to a mixer in formal wear is a must.?

And, to keep those initial conversations going, following up is key. I always send a thank you note to whomever I recently met or had a coffee chat with. I always try to check in with valued members of my network every 3 months, at minimum. I’m part of an engagement pod with a few close connections where we not only support each other’s online activity, we also hype one another up and give kudos along the way. I send articles I find or pieces I write to those I think would be interested, and I do my best to be available to those who have made a direct impact on me in some way.

It can be really challenging to never hear back from someone.?

To get ghosted after an initial reply.?

To think you’ve done everything right, only to not get anything in return.

In these situations, I like to remind myself that the way a networking interaction goes (or doesn’t) is not necessarily a reflection of me and my strengths.

You can control your outreach method and who you reach out to, but you have no control over their response, their reaction, or their availability. Don’t let something that you can’t control impede your growth.?