Diversify Your Guides: The Power of Multiple Mentors
Disclaimer: the opinions expressed by the author of this article don’t necessarily represent the opinions of NAWA as an organization.
I realized recently how unlikely my entrance into actuarial science was. No one in my family had a math background. No actuary worked in my hometown. I attended a liberal arts school without an actuarial program. And it wasn't until I was in graduate school that I even considered an actuarial internship.
No wonder I felt like I was behind even before I was shown my cubicle on the first day of my first job. Luckily, one of my early managers became an informal mentor to me. Conversations with her helped me to see a path forward where I had no line of sight.
For women creating dynamic and sustainable actuarial careers, mentorship plays a vital role at all stages. A supportive mentor can offer guidance, perspective, and be an advocate for you.
There is also strength in numbers. We know that having one dedicated mentor is beneficial. Consider the power of establishing a network of mentors, each offering unique perspectives to propel you forward.
Why Multiple Mentors?
In a study of the impact of mentoring for lawyers [1], having either a series of mentors at different stages in one’s career or multiple mentors at one time was found to have a significantly greater impact than having one sole mentor. With a single mentor, job satisfaction did increase. However, with multiple mentors, individuals found increased earnings and faster career progression as well as increased job satisfaction.
Like law, the actuarial profession encompasses a broad range of specialties – from pricing to reserving, product development to strategic market decisions. We, as actuaries and humans, move through many seasons in our careers and our lives. It makes sense that no one mentor will be equipped to offer us what we need at every step. A diverse network of mentors may be just the ticket.
The Benefits of Multiple Mentors
There are many advantages of having multiple mentors.
Broader Perspective: Gain insights from various actuarial disciplines and career paths. This makes it less likely that you will take a mentor's story as a playbook to follow step by step.
Filling Skill Gaps: Identify mentors who complement your existing skillset and address specific areas for development.
Tailored Advice: Receive guidance relevant to your unique goals, interests, and season of life.
Expanded Network: Different mentors can connect you with a broader network, potentially opening doors to new opportunities.
Reduced Reliance on One Person: If a mentor's schedule changes or they move on from their role, you still have a strong support system in place.
Building Your Mentorship Network
Are you ready to expand your mentorship circle? Whether you are looking for your next mentor or an additional mentor, there are a few things you can be doing today.
Appreciate Your Current Mentor: If you already have a mentor, that's fantastic! Take stock of the many areas that they have positively impacted your career. Let them know what impact they are having.
Identify Your Needs: Reflect on your career journey, your aspirations, and the challenges you face. What expertise or guidance do you need that your current mentor might not be able to provide?
Seek Diversity: Look for potential mentors who have diverse actuarial specialties, work styles, or backgrounds. These unique perspectives will enrich your learning and growth.
Network & Connect: Leverage professional organizations like NAWA, industry events, and alumni networks to meet potential mentors.
Be Intentional: Reach out to potential mentors with a clear and concise request. Explain your goals and what you hope to learn from them.
By embracing the power of multiple mentors, you're not just expanding your network - you're getting an even better return for your career. Start building your dream team of mentors today.
In order to offer more opportunities to connect and partner with a diverse set of mentors, we are excited to be working on launching the next phase of NAWA’s mentor program. We heard great feedback from the pilot that some of you may have participated in. Watch for more information on the relaunch later this year.
