Summary
Sanjay Beri, CEO of the $5.5 billion cybersecurity company Netskope, says Gen Z job seekers should spend two to three nights a week networking instead of just sending out resumes. Beri believes many of the best jobs are never posted publicly and are filled through personal connections. He advises young people without family obligations to attend local events, conferences, and talks to build relationships that can lead to job offers.
Main Impact
Beri’s advice comes at a time when millions of young people around the world are struggling to find work. About one in five Gen Zers are classified as “NEETs” – not in employment, education, or training. In the UK alone, more than 1.2 million graduates applied for fewer than 17,000 graduate roles last year. Beri argues that in a job market flooded with AI-filtered applications, meeting people in person gives candidates a real advantage.
Key Details
What Happened
In an interview with Fortune, Beri shared his top tip for breaking into the tech industry: constant networking. He said that who you know and how you build those relationships matters more than a perfect resume. Beri himself started with no connections, working on an IT help desk at age 16 in Toronto. He later built a network by attending investor and VC events, which helped him raise money for Netskope.
Important Numbers and Facts
Netskope was founded in 2012 and reached a $1 billion valuation (unicorn status) by 2018. The company went public on the Nasdaq last year. It now has more than 3,000 employees and operates in over 220 countries. Over 30% of its clients are Fortune 100 companies. Beri recommends that Gen Z workers without family commitments attend networking events two to three times per week.
Background and Context
The job market for young people has become extremely competitive. Many companies now use AI to screen applications, and recruiters often ask candidates to complete unpaid tests or tasks. One graduate with a math degree said he applied to over 1,000 jobs in the UK over a year without getting a single offer. Beri believes that in this environment, being a familiar face at events can help candidates stand out.
Public or Industry Reaction
Beri’s advice has sparked mixed reactions. Some people agree that networking is essential, especially in competitive fields like tech. Others point out that attending events two to three times a week can be expensive and time-consuming, especially for those who are already struggling financially. Critics also note that not everyone has the same access to networking opportunities, particularly in smaller cities or rural areas.
What This Means Going Forward
Beri’s message is clear: building a strong network takes time and effort, but it can pay off in the long run. He suggests that job seekers should never eat alone – instead, they should use meal times to attend events or meet people. For Gen Z, this means shifting focus from online applications to in-person connections. While this approach may not work for everyone, it highlights a growing trend where personal relationships matter more than ever in the job market.
Final Take
In a world where thousands of people apply for the same job online, knowing the right person can make all the difference. Beri’s own story – from a help desk worker to a CEO – shows that networking can open doors that applications alone cannot. For Gen Z job seekers, the takeaway is simple: get out, meet people, and build relationships. The job you want might never be posted online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Sanjay Beri think networking is more important than applying online?
Beri says many of the best jobs are never published publicly. They are filled through personal connections. He believes that meeting people in person helps candidates stand out in a market flooded with AI-screened applications.
How often does Beri recommend networking for Gen Z job seekers?
He suggests attending networking events two to three times per week. This can include local talks, university events, or conferences. He also advises never eating alone – instead, use meal times to meet people.
What is Netskope and how successful is it?
Netskope is a cybersecurity company valued at $5.5 billion. It was founded in 2012 and went public on the Nasdaq in 2025. The company has over 3,000 employees and serves more than 30% of Fortune 100 companies.
