Mentoring in mortgages: Supporting growth at every stage

Mentoring plays an important role in building knowledge, skills and confidence across the mortgage sector. It’s a simple but powerful way to support people at all stages of their careers, as it helps them grow, share experiences and better navigate the challenges of the job.

Traditionally, mentoring involves learning from someone with more experience. This kind of relationship can help individuals develop new skills, gain insight into unfamiliar areas, and benefit from the guidance of someone who’s worked through similar challenges.

But mentoring doesn’t have to be one-way. Reverse mentoring - where more experienced professionals learn from colleagues at earlier stages in their careers - is also gaining recognition. This can help leaders better understand different perspectives and experiences, including those related to mental health, diversity and workplace inclusion. Reverse mentoring encourages more rounded leadership and a more inclusive workplace culture.

Why it matters

Mentoring brings benefits for both mentors and mentees. For the person receiving support, it offers guidance, space for reflection and a chance to grow with confidence. For the mentor, it provides an opportunity to give back, while often gaining new insights in the process.

Strong mentoring relationships can also offer a trusted space to talk through ideas or challenges, and over time, these conversations can lead to greater professional development and resilience.

Getting started

Starting a mentoring journey often begins with identifying a focus. Whether it’s gaining a better understanding of a specific topic, building leadership skills, or increasing awareness of key industry issues, having a clear goal makes it easier to find the right support.

Mentors can come from within the same business, wider professional networks, or even other parts of the industry. It might be a former colleague, a peer or someone working in a different organisation with relevant experience. In the mortgage sector, that could include contacts such as lender BDMs, advisers, or compliance professionals.

There are also structured resources available. The Working in Mortgages initiative, run by IMLA and AMI, is a free online platform designed to help people across the industry connect, learn and support one another.

Asking for mentoring support is a sign of commitment to growth—it’s not about having all the answers, but being open to learning from others.

Creating space for development

Finding time for personal development can be a challenge, especially in a busy working environment. But prioritising time to learn and reflect can bring long-term benefits for individuals, teams, and businesses alike.

Organisations that make space for mentoring often see stronger engagement, better knowledge-sharing and improved career development outcomes.

Sharing career stories

The new Mortgage Mentors podcast series explores how mentoring has supported careers across the industry. It features a range of voices from different backgrounds, sharing how guidance from others helped them progress, and the lessons they’re now passing on.

The stories show that success doesn’t always follow a straight line. Many industry professionals have taken unexpected routes to where they are today, often with the support of people who believed in them, shared advice, or opened a door at the right time.

By highlighting these experiences, the series aims to encourage more people to seek support, share knowledge, and help others grow—strengthening the future of the mortgage industry in the process.

Listen to the Mortgage Mentors podcasts here.