Netskope CEO: Gen Z Should Network 3 Days Weekly

Sanjay Beri, CEO of the $5.5 billion software company Netskope, stated this week that unemployed Gen Z individuals should prioritize networking by attending events two to three times per week. Beri, who leads a Silicon Valley tech firm, emphasized that building connections is crucial for career advancement, particularly because many desired job opportunities are never publicly advertised. He shared his perspective in an exclusive interview with Fortune, drawing from his own career trajectory from an IT help desk role at 16 in Toronto to leading a major tech company.

Beri's primary advice for breaking into the tech industry is "constant networking." He elaborated that this involves more than just occasional attendance at networking events. For younger professionals, especially those without significant family obligations like marriage or children, dedicating two to three days a week to networking activities is recommended to gain a competitive edge. These activities can range from attending local speaking events or university career fairs to informal coffee meetings with contacts.

The CEO suggested that networking does not need to be limited to formal speed-networking sessions. Any engagement that fosters connections, such as attending industry conferences or meeting with existing contacts, can be beneficial. He also pointed out that for new graduates, local clubs and other community groups can serve as valuable platforms for expanding their professional networks. This advice comes as millions of Gen Z individuals face unemployment challenges, navigating an increasingly competitive job market characterized by AI-driven application screening and unresponsiveness from recruiters.