What Do Youth Want from Networking Events: Survey Results and Insights

Hot take – Job opportunities aren’t the only thing that youth are looking for at networking events. Don’t believe me? Let’s dive into some data that shows otherwise.

A few weeks ago, I put out a survey to my LinkedIn community asking youth aged 18-30 to answer a series of questions related to all things networking and community building. The goal of this survey was to understand what youth were thinking when it came to networking. Why did they go to networking events? Did they believe there were enough networking opportunities and so on (if you’re interested, I still have the questionnaire live just check it out here.

15 youth responded and if you look at chart 1.1, you’ll see the demographic breakdown by age.

Overall, young professionals explained that while finding possible job opportunities is an incentive to attend networking events, they are also very interested in fostering meaningful connections and gaining new insights into different fields and industries – but they need help to do that.

BONUS: If you’re interested in seeing a bit more of the data from the survey, click here to download the Infographic:

Infographic - Youth Survey Results.pdf

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Key Takeaway 1: Youth Need to Learn How to Navigate the Networking Landscape

Youth conveyed that they are somewhat new or unfamiliar with the networking landscape, and they must first be familiarized with it rather than expected to know how to navigate it.

When youth were asked what they would change about networking events, many made it very clear that they needed to start with the basics. They expressed how they appreciate it if networking events were more beginner-friendly, geared more towards building long-lasting professional connections and overall teach them the basics of networking. 

After reflecting on these responses for a while, it does make a lot of sense. We are asking youth from 18-30 years old to attend networking events with limited knowledge of how to navigate them, who to talk to and how to talk to them. Nowadays, I will say, there are a lot of workshops and events that take place mainly to teach people how to network. But even with those opportunities available, something tells me that we need to go back to the basics. Because they’re right, we aren’t born knowing how to network – it’s a skill we have to learn. 

Key Takeaway 2: Youth Need Structure and Tools to Succeed in Networking Spaces

Youth expressed that they would like more structure incorporated into networking opportunities and have different tools available to boost conversation, reduce how overwhelming it can be, and create a more relaxed environment.

Youth noted that they would appreciate more structure in networking opportunities. I sense that the time of showing up to a room full of strangers and expecting to make conversation with them isn’t the only way to network. Youth provided different suggestions on what they would like to see from networking events, such as implementing activities for people to do while they network, icebreakers, and creating talking points.

Essentially, youth want tools to help them boost conversation, ease them into the networking space, and reduce how overwhelming these situations can be. The goal is to connect, but how can you do that when you feel overwhelmed and stressed? It’s time to make networking spaces more welcoming, and these are just a few ways how we can do it.  

Key Takeaway 3: Youth Want to Meet New People and Learn New Things at Networking Events

Youth discussed that they want to meet new people from different backgrounds and industries to make new connections and gain new insights.

Repeatedly, youth expressed how they were not just showing up to networking events for job opportunities. While it was still a main motivator, when I asked youth what one thing was that they’d like to get out of networking opportunities many of them mentioned connections—Youth want to make new connections.

More importantly, they want to learn how to start and build upon these connections. They are looking for ways to develop these relationships into long-lasting professional connections. Additionally, you want to meet people from different backgrounds and industries to grow their knowledge and gain new insights into other fields.

Youth are showing up for more than a job opportunity. They are showing up to expand their knowledge, grow their networks and build up their careers and community. 

Conclusion: Youth Want More Opportunities to Connect and Grow

So, in sum, what does this tell us about youth and networking? It tells us that youth are looking for more opportunities to connect and grow. They want networking opportunities that make them feel welcome, support them, and enhance their ability to make meaningful connections and expand their knowledge.

When asked if survey participants would be interested in joining a networking group of young professionals, 14 out of 15 said YES – look at numbers for yourself in chart 1.2.

Now what am I going to do with this information? In a few short weeks, I’ll be launching my first networking event under the Youth Network banner. The Youth Network will be a group of young professionals who are looking to do networking differently, by putting connections and insights at the forefront of their minds. Stay tuned for more information in the coming weeks!

In the meantime, if you’re interested in more youth engagement check out my other blog posts.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this – if there was one thing you could change about networking events, what would it be?