Network Gap
The network gap is an advantage some individuals have over others because of who they know and how they know them.
What is the Network Gap
The network gap is the advantage individuals have as a result of who they know and how they know them. Your network is formed through the connections you make throughout life. This expands based on where you’ve gone to school, where you’ve lived, and where you’ve worked.
Unfortunately, despite hard work and talent, the networks you’re able to join in academic and career settings can heavily depend on something as uncontrollable as where your community of friends and family have lived, worked, or studied themselves.
Definition of Network Gap
Network Gap Examples
K-12
In public K-12 schools, a network gap can start based solely on the district regulations of schools in the area. Students can miss out on academic opportunities because of the zip code they live in, their ability to commute, or the connections in their community.
College
In higher education, a network gap can look similar to the one in private K-12 schools in that college admission can depend on the communities students are from. In addition, the network gap in college can be affected by the connections built through previous academic experiences and have an impact on future mentorship, internship, or job opportunities after graduation.
Workplace
In the workplace, an individual’s first professional network is built from their earlier social community, their academic connections, and work experience or mentorship programs. If not addressed, any network gaps that previously existed are often only exacerbated in professional life.
Why Closing the Network Gap is Important
Help diminish social inequality
Closing the network gap provides people with the same chance to be recognized for their talents, skills, and strengths of character regardless of who they know.
Evens the playing field
Closing the network gap helps expand social, academic, and job opportunities. The network gap directly relates to the opportunity gap and the longstanding effects that can have on an individual’s overall quality of life.
Foster inclusivity and empathy
If we want to foster an inclusive society, we need the experiences and perspectives of individuals from all walks of life to have equally important space within our communities.
Network Gap Statistics
7 in 10 jobs are landed through networking
More than 70% of professionals land jobs through their network, especially at companies where they have at least one existing connection.
200% more opportunities in wealthy zipcodes
According to LinkedIn’s data, members living in zip codes with a median income of over $100K are nearly 3x more likely to have a strong network than members in lower-income zip codes.
8 in 10 adults fear stigma about their upbringing
In a recent Milkround study, 80% of students and graduates said they fear that coming from a lower socio-economic background will negatively impact their career.
Network Gap Resources
Build Your Dream Network: Closing The Networking Gap
In this podcast episode of Build Your Dream Network by J. Kelly Hoey, she expands on the network gap and how we can plan on a more inclusive networking future by making participation and community more accessible. Listen here >
Forbes: The Network Gap And Its Impact On The War For Talent
Forbes writer Chris Cancialosi explores personal stories about the impact the network gap has on individuals and the companies who’d benefit from a wider, more diverse community of talent. Read more >
PublicSource: How the Neighborhood You Grow up in Affects Your Future
As part of a PublicSource series, this article by Pittsburgh writer and teacher Mark Kramer looks through the lens of his community to explore how the neighborhood a child grows up in can impact their future. Read more >
How To Close The Network Gap
Volunteer your time
One of the most realistic ways to close the network gap is to offer your time. A virtual way to do this is to take the Plus One Pledge, which encourages professionals to share their time, talents, or community connections with people outside of their network.
Donate to a cause
There are several organizations working to address the network gap with everything from enrichment programs to networking events. Help support a cause you care about by making a financial contribution.
Learn and share resources
The simplest way to help close the network gap is to learn more about it and share that with others in your community. Get started with the resources below.