Table of Contents
Recommendation
Generation Z is breaking away from traditional approaches to professional interactions by infusing their connection-making on LinkedIn with authenticity and humor. In this intriguing article, AJ Eckstein interviews 10 gen Z thought leaders to learn why they emphasize peer-to-peer connections and focus on building genuine, community-oriented networks that transcend conventional career advancement strategies. Eckstein thoughtfully uncovers how gen Z’s preferences are setting new standards for professional engagement and redefining the essence of networking in the digital age.
Take-Aways
- Gen Z is reframing professional networks as “internet friends.”
- Gen Z networks more frequently than previous generations.
- Gen Z does not see “top-down” connections as inherently more valuable than peer-to-peer relationships.
Summary
Gen Z is reframing professional networks as “internet friends.”
Traditional approaches to networking tend to focus on making strategic connections with people who can help boost your career. Meagan Loyst, founder and CEO of Gen Z VCs, notes that gen Z finds the idea of pursuing connections solely for professional gain insincere and off-putting. But this feeling hasn’t kept gen Z from participating on networking platforms like LinkedIn. Indeed, they’re more active on LinkedIn than any previous generation, making “28.7% more monthly connections than millennials, 54.7% more than gen X and 143.5% (over twice as many) than boomers.”
“We have a very high bullsh*t radar and can tell when people just want something from you versus being interested in building a relationship.” (Meagan Loyst)
Gen Z’s motivations for networking and ways of making connections stand in stark contrast to their older colleagues, however. Rather than tallying how many links they can accumulate or worrying about presenting a polished professional persona, gen Z aims for authenticity: They place their personal values front and center and look for connections who share those values. Arin Goldsmith of Blizzard Entertainment says networking became easy once she reframed the task as “making friends” rather than viewing it as a necessary evil for career progress. Travis Chen, an account executive at Amazon Web Services, agrees, stating that gen Z sees an initial interaction on LinkedIn as “just the beginning” of what ought to develop into a meaningful relationship.
Gen Z networks more frequently than previous generations.
Gen Z views networking less as a competitive strategy and more as an opportunity for learning and exploration. Jenk Oz, founder and CEO of Thred Media, sees networking as a chance to get to know and ask questions of “best-of-breed experts across any field you choose.”
“There is not a day that goes by [when] I am not thinking about networking and meeting new people.” (Award-winning artist Gigi Robinson)
A mind-set of curiosity is one factor prompting many gen Zers to make networking a daily priority. Some individuals report spending a whole day communicating across various platforms, sending hundreds of messages. Most of these interactions are informal. As Genesis Gutierrez, CEO of Harness Magazine, notes, by getting to know potential connections on a personal level, rather than trying to sell your professional image or your company’s offerings, you will build better foundations for long-term, mutually beneficial relationships. Goldsmith prefers to interact with people’s social media content before reaching out to them via email. Loyst recommends focusing first on how you can help a potential connection – offering an introduction or resources, or liking and sharing their posts.
Gen Z does not see “top-down” connections as inherently more valuable than peer-to-peer relationships.
Rather than channeling most of their networking efforts toward building “top-down” relationships, gen Z gives equal weight to peer-to-peer connections. Caitlyn Kumi of Google asserts that, because gen Z insists on authenticity, they simply don’t see pursuing connections based on titles or company prestige as fruitful.
“You can never underestimate the value of those around you, including your peers.” (Travis Chen)
Marketing leader Zaria Parvez prefers networking with peers, as she finds it easier to relate to those “in the same boat.” This approach fosters a mutual support system of individuals with similar drives and passions who can help one another navigate the professional world.
Building genuine friendships with people at all career levels – those ahead of you, individuals at your level and people you could potentially help – can open unexpected doors, Parvez and others note. You never know when a connection might lead to a job offer, speaking invitation, new client referral or mentorship opportunity.
About the Author
Author AJ Eckstein is a speaker and writer focusing on generation Z, career advice leadership and the future of work.