Networking, Scourge of the Young 

By Jaanu

In a shocking turn of events, even college degrees in computer science and economics aren’t enough to secure jobs in a saturated market. What fills this newly created void between new graduates and their dream jobs (for we can afford to aim high… shooting for “dream” jobs rather than “any” jobs)? With many companies apparently adopting AI models to screen resumes, even the language we use is less likely to set us apart than it may have been even ten years ago. Thus, the dreaded word: networking.

What’s so frightening and rage-inducing about this golden skill is how amorphous it is. We’re expected to be networking all the time, seemingly, but who knows what that means? Will opportunities materialize out of the blue if we connect with a particular person? Unfortunately, real life is not like a video game; tapping on a character and having one scripted conversation cannot, in good faith, be called networking.

Rather, we should perceive the skill of networking as intentionally open-ended. Connecting with peers is a very different form of networking than connecting with a mentor or a potential employer. The baseline should be authenticity. Observe the smile of the yellow shirted man here.

His smile is open, not scheming. He seems like he is having a good time! And therein lies the rub. The word “networking” implies a calculating bent to all interactions. Perhaps like me you imagine a networking gremlin perched on your shoulder, rubbing his hands with gleeful anticipation for all the juicy connections you’re about to form. In truth, networking cannot be like that. Authenticity is not just seen but felt. In the sea of interactions that we have throughout our lives, most are forgettable. We cannot focus on building a valuable network because value comes from authenticity. Presenting your authentic self in all interactions, whether they be with classmates, professors, or a chance meeting with the president or the editor of your favorite periodical (👀).

Here are my tips for “networking” in 2026. Firstly, trust your gut. Cultivate those relationships that make you feel good. I love how some people in my life think— in other words, I appreciate the way they see the world and feel like a better person for time spent with them. These people are important nodes in my network. As a pre-medical student, I water these connections because my friends will continue to inspire me when I’m in both low and high points of my career.

The same goes for mentors. When we meet an interesting person— not only professors within our fields or professionals— we can observe: how do they make us feel? Are they inspiring? Do I wish to emulate them in some way? A great piece of advice I received from a mentor in my lab is this: identify different mentors for the many different areas of your life.

Good networking should be enjoyable. Making positive social connections is an essential human need, and strengthening the connections we love is a great thing. 😊