Count Me In – Imposter Syndrome & Confidence in Maths Based Careers
As part of the Count Me In initiative to inspire talented young students from historically underrepresented backgrounds, APR recently partnered with Success at School and the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries to tackle a challenge many face in silence: imposter syndrome.
In a thought-provoking panel discussion delivered to over a hundred 13–18-year-olds, we explored this creeping sense of self-doubt and provided guidance on how to obtain confidence in maths-based careers. But the conversation went beyond imposter syndrome alone. It grew into a wider reflection on confidence, identity and belonging. Panellists offered practical strategies for managing these feelings, alongside honest stories from their own journeys — helping demystify the actuarial profession in the process.
The discussion encouraged panellists to build on each other’s insights while staying relatable to students. A common fear — the anxiety around raising your hand — was addressed with a powerful message: asking questions, even when it feels intimidating, can be an act of leadership and solidarity. Students were reminded that when one person speaks up, it often helps many others who share the same question but are hesitant to voice it.
This spirit of shared experience and mutual support echoed throughout the session. The panel of APR staff shared personal experiences and practical strategies for navigating transitions, embracing new opportunities, and building confidence in unfamiliar spaces as they enter less predictable world beyond. They highlighted the importance of community, mentorship, and mutual support — not just as tools for success, but as essential parts of a fulfilling career journey. Our team shared practical examples of this, including one of them sharing their own journey as a mentor under the Actuarial Mentoring Programme – the IFoA’s global cross-company mentoring scheme and discussing how helping others work through challenges they once faced showed them just how far she’d come — and that you don’t need to wait years before you can start giving back.
The session also challenged common stereotypes about technical professions like actuarial science. Speakers emphasized that these careers are not only intellectually stimulating but also diverse in their applications and reliant on strong interpersonal skills. By sharing real-world examples, they helped demystify the profession and make it more accessible.
A recurring theme was that confidence doesn’t always come first — it often follows action. Feeling unsure doesn’t mean you’re not capable; it means you’re learning. The event left students with a powerful takeaway: growth often begins at the edge of your comfort zone, and there is space for everyone in these careers, regardless of background. As one of our team put it – “be scared, then do it anyway”.
A huge thank you to Morgan Smith-Woodhams for expertly planning, structuring, and bringing this event to life. Having previously been a panellist herself, she was the driving force in making this possible. Sessions like this are a welcome reminder that self-doubt is a natural part of growing — and that whatever your background, there’s space for you in these professions, and you do belong.
If you would like to view the session, the recording has been uploaded to YouTube and can be found here.
Asees Sachdev
May 2025
