Your Network is Your Net Worth

Networking is one of the most powerful tools a young person can use to open doors and create opportunities. It is not only about meeting people, but about building meaningful relationships that can lead to education, career and business prospects. As the saying goes “Your network is your net worth.”

Through networking, we can gain access to opportunities that might otherwise remain hidden. Scholarships, internships, apprenticeships, and even jobs often come through connections. Networking events and panel discussions are also places where future business partners and collaborators can be found. By making ourselves visible to people who hold influence or knowledge, we increase our chances of being considered for opportunities that can shape our future.

In my own life, networking has played a crucial role. I made it a habit to attend local events such as the Tbilisi International Conference 2023, the LeadX Summit and numerous panel discussions. I also used social media effectively and asked family friends if they knew of relevant opportunities. These efforts led me to incredible experiences, including traveling to the USA and Germany without paying anything.

That's how I discovered competitions and programs that gave me invaluable chances for growth. One particularly significant moment came when, after attending the Tbilisi International Conference, I connected with people who later introduced me to the dean of Political Science of the British University and this connection helped me secure an apprenticeship at the University and later become part of a delegation that attended the first-ever Political Tech Summit in Berlin. It was Europe’s first political tech summit where politics meets technology. With this team I was involved in a research project at the British University led by the vice rector for academic and research development, to measure poverty levels in several villages of one of the districts of Georgia and design targeted interventions which was a great experience for me. Soon I was fortunate to be part of the Polaris Leadership Summit: a gateway to political innovation. In a world increasingly shaped by digital connections, the intersection of politics, technology, and public affairs has become more important than ever. The Polaris Leadership Summit in London offers a unique platform where political strategists, public sector communicators, and technologists come together to exchange ideas, benchmark their work, and set new standards for leadership in a connected world.

What comes out of Polaris isn’t simply ideas or frameworks - but renewed energy, direction, and relationships. An individual who attends with curiosity and initiative can emerge with new purpose: a clearer vision of strategy, access to mentors, and the possibility of collaboration across borders. The broader significance is that summits like Polaris help redefine what leadership means in the digital age. They emphasize adaptability, technological fluency, trust-building, and inclusive communication as keys to influence. In a world where voices are many and attention is scarce, the ability to connect meaningfully becomes one of the most powerful tools a leader can have.

In an era flooded with disinformation and propaganda, meaningful networking isn’t just career fuel, and it’s a civic responsibility. As the headline of this piece reminds us, “Your Network is Your Net Worth,” and that worth grows when we share knowledge, cross-check facts, and elevate credible voices. After reflecting on how often false narratives spread faster than truth, I decided to launch a short podcast series and tapped my network - researchers, journalists, policy experts, and technologists to unpack how propaganda works and what practical steps young people can take to counter it. Those conversations turned connections into a public good: translating expertise into accessible guidance on media literacy, source verification, and responsible amplification so that our communities become more resilient, informed, and empowered.

These experiences have proven to me that networking is not just a useful tool - it is a life-changing strategy. By putting ourselves out there, attending events, asking questions, and engaging with people, we build bridges to the future.

About the author: Niko Gersamia is a 17-year-old student from Georgia and a youngest fellow at MEDIA VOICE, focusing on political issues, propaganda, and disinformation. He is also developing his own podcast “DISCUSSION WITH NIKO GERSAMIA”, where he discusses urgent and relevant issues with distinguished guests.