Young business students criticize networking practices in Finland

A recent study by the University of Eastern Finland and the University of Turku reveals that many young business students are critical of networking practices. The research highlights disparities in networking opportunities and raises concerns about the exploitation of others for personal gain.

Maija Korhonen, a lecturer in education and psychology at the University of Eastern Finland, noted that young adults grapple with the implications of using relationships to secure job positions. Participants expressed disappointment at the culture surrounding networking within the commercial sector, emphasizing the importance of genuine and honest interactions rather than exploiting connections.

The study points to two primary aspects of inequality in networking. Firstly, younger individuals, often lacking professional experience, find themselves at a disadvantage compared to those more established in their careers. This raises ethical questions about leveraging personal connections for job acquisition.

Moreover, gender and class disparities affect networking opportunities. Women and individuals from working-class backgrounds often find it harder to achieve the ideals of successful networking, lacking the networks or characteristics typically associated with it. The prevalent image of a successful networker is often that of a confident, extroverted individual from a supportive background, reinforcing middle-class and masculine traits.

For many respondents, the model of the ideal networker felt unattainable. The pressure to present oneself and build a personal brand can be exhausting, and Korhonen stresses the need for broader conversations about diverse qualities that contribute to being a good employee, moving beyond the archetype of the outgoing networker.