In this article, TIA Alumni Marissa Van Der Westhuizen of iTOO Special Risks unpacks the true power of networking in the insurance industry, urging young professionals to engage with curiosity, authenticity, and purpose.
Networking is a buzzword that floats around in many young professionals’ conversations. Beyond the buzz, let’s look at what it is and why it is so powerful.
As young professionals, we are always looking for growth, the next opportunity, and career advancement. Although this may sound largely positive, I fear that there may be a “form over substance” trend to ‘networking’.
A pure “what’s in it for me/get something done for me” is easily detectible and equally dislikeable. Conversation, which is the basis of networking, is a two-way street.
One may be tempted to confuse networking with mentorship. Mentorship is usually a relatively formalised relationship, with scheduled meetings focused on specific goals, growth and development. A mentor-mentee relationship is, ideally, a relationship of depth, whereas networking consists of relationships of breadth and variety. Mentorship may be born from networking, but networking is inherently valuable in its own right.
Don’t miss the moments
Introverts don’t disqualify themselves from networking. Short, genuine conversations with several different people may be less of a stretch and more beneficial than you may think. Simply, being armed with a few general questions and genuine curiosity is a great starting point. Conversations may be short, but impactful. You never know where your next best piece of advice is going to come from; we can learn from everyone.
Industry events
The insurance industry is rich in networking opportunities. Attending industry events is a great opportunity for networking with people in many different roles in our industry. These events are a three-dimensional/real-life LinkedIn, if you will. Events hosted by the Gauteng Women in Insurance, the Insurance Institute of South Africa, the Insurance Institute of Gauteng and many other regional insurance organisations are golden networking opportunities. When attending these events, make sure you make the most of the opportunity and challenge yourself to speak to a few strangers with curiosity and openness. Don’t underestimate the potential of short conversations you may have at these events. They may very well become the launch pad for great things.
Bottom line: Genuine Conversation
“Small talk” is often frowned upon, yet genuine questions and interest in others may be the catalyst for great conversation. In turn, this may lead to great opportunities in the form of mentorship, job opportunities, personal brand building, partnerships and collaboration or industry insights. The benefits of a growing network are cumulative, and the growth becomes spontaneous, but do not become complacent. Keep being intentional and genuine when it comes to networking.
After I participated in The Insurance Apprentice in 2023, I was privileged to leave the show with a mini network of like-minded yet diverse friends in the industry who started the Claims Forum, an initiative that seeks to foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement in short-term insurance claims service.
The greater Insurance Apprentice Alumni is another great forum for networking amongst past contestants, which provides structure to an organic phenomenon where past contestants get to learn from one another and connect. Beyond the “internal” networking opportunities, it creates an extended platform for us to make an impact in the lives of young professionals in the insurance industry.
Every single conversation that I’ve had off the back of the courageous step to participate in The Insurance Apprentice has enriched my life personally and professionally.
There is a literal buzz in and around networking, and rightfully so. Make use of every opportunity. Have conversations of substance with curiosity. You never know what may be born from a simple conversation….