Despite growing efforts to address the gender imbalance across investment management, breaking into this traditionally male-dominated field can be challenging for women. Whether it's a need for more awareness about the industry or a lack of confidence in their abilities, women apply for and secure far fewer investing roles than their male peers. With investment teams also small with low turnover, competition for roles is intense, and opportunities often arise through existing relationships, that is, “who you know”.
So, how can women get a leg up in this industry? Find yourself a mentor!
Why mentorship matters
Mentorship can be a game-changer if you aspire to a career in investment management. Mentors offer guidance and support, drawing from their own experiences to help you understand the industry, define your career goals and navigate challenges. They can open doors to networking opportunities, connecting you with industry insiders and potential job prospects. Mentors can also provide feedback on any skills gaps and help you develop essential capabilities like financial analysis and effective communication, boosting your confidence and resilience along the way.
Finding a mentor
When seeking a mentor, consider people in your existing network that you admire and respect or professional investors you have met or were inspired by at networking events. Be brave and contact them on LinkedIn to express your interest in a meeting and potential mentoring relationship. Highlight your goals and aspirations, and pique their interest with an interesting investing idea, left-field stock pick or investment thesis you’d like to discuss. If this seems daunting, contact Future IM/Pact and we can coach you through it and connect you with industry contacts.
You can also join structured mentoring programs, such as Your EDGE, our 6-month mentoring and advocacy program to help young professional women break into the investment management industry. If you are university student, check out our Mentoring Circles to connect with investors who are keen to mentor you.
Getting the most out of mentorship
When embarking on a mentoring relationship, start with getting to know each other, sharing your experiences and building rapport. Clearly define your goals and expectations upfront, and make a solid commitment to each other to show up, come prepared, and follow through. Being receptive to feedback and maintaining open communication is critical to fostering a positive and collaborative relationship. And remember, mentorship is a two-way street, mentors get as much out of these relationships as mentees.
Check out our Mentoring Collection for more great articles and tips about mentorship, or read Yolanda's blog about her own mentoring experience.
Want to know more about mentorship?
If you are keen to get involved in a mentoring program, either as a mentor or mentee, Future IM/Pact can help facilitate relationships and connect aspiring female investors with seasoned professionals. Reach out to us today for a chat.
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