Networking Isn't Nepotism

Recently, I was speaking with a friend about her daughter’s search for a summer internship. The parent relayed that her daughter was reluctant to tap into her mom’s networks to help her identify an internship. “She wants to do it herself” and “she doesn’t want to get an opportunity just because of who her mom is.” I heard a similar story from a recent college graduate looking for a job– he was declining connections from his family members, because he wanted to get a job based on his own merits.

These interactions make me realize that Gen Z may be missing out on valuable opportunities to build their networks by equating networking with nepotism.

Nepotism is getting a job or opportunity solely based on a family or personal connection. 

Networking, on the other hand, is about interacting with people so they can learn who you are—and you can learn from them. A connection rarely guarantees a job, but it can open the door for you to introduce yourself, share your strengths, and position yourself for an opportunity.

At Career Rising, we hear several common challenges “20 somethings” experience when they are trying to build a network: 

“I don’t have any useful contacts.” 

“I don’t know how to get myself known in this field.”

 “I’m really interested in this industry, but I don’t have any experience yet.”

Here are 3 initial ways you can get started: 

• Leverage your existing network: Who do you know?  Start with your friends and family, professors, previous employers, and your college’s alumni network and career support platform.  Message your direct contacts asking them for a referral and be sure to share a short blurb about yourself and what you’re looking for.  
• Build your network: Who would you like to know? Where do they work?  Are they active in associations? Do they speak at events you can attend? What organizations or companies would you like to work for or learn more about? Are there any alumni from your school who work there? Are there ways to volunteer with that organization or industry?     
• Learn as much as you can about the industry and organizations/companies in it. Follow them on LinkedIn, read up on relevant news stories or blogs, consider taking free or low-cost trainings that may help you gain relevant skills and attend relevant online or in-person events.  

Once you have a chance to interact with a new contact, make the most of it:

• Make a positive impression: Share a brief profile of yourself, your skills and what you’re looking for. 
• Ask pertinent questions: Ask about their work, how they got to where they are, what advice do they have for someone starting out in this field?  What are the most valuable skills/experience to have? What are their suggestions on people to talk to, organizations to pursue?
• Follow up with a thank you and to ask for any referrals or connections they offered to send you.

So make the most of networking! Know this is just the first step and the rest is up to you.