Do you ever feel that you aren’t living up to the expectations that others have for you?
Do you think that you are less competent than the people around you?
Do you believe that some of your successes are due to luck?
Do you see yourself wanting validation from others, but then not accepting it?
If any of the above sound like you, then you are not alone.
Last week, I attended the Imposter Syndrome Workshop wonderfully co-led by Women in Computer Science Club and the Computer Science, and I want to share some of the tips that I took away.
But first, to briefly explain this term, Imposter Syndrome is the feeling that people get when, despite their many achievements, they think that they are frauds and don’t think that they belong. It is also known as Imposter Phenomenon and Fraud Syndrome. Especially on this campus, many of us are high achievers who refuse to internalize and completely take pride in our successes.
Some strategies for you to overcome Imposter Syndrome include:
Accepting the compliments you receive
Learning how to accept compliments can be very difficult, because there is a fine line between falling victim to this Syndrome and being humble.
Preparing/studying
In order to give yourself the confidence you need for any situation (for class, interview, etc.), you can adequately prepare and study.
Knowing that many people share the same feelings as you
It doesn’t stop there. I also learned some strategies that you can use to help someone else, like a family member or a friend, overcome Imposter Syndrome.
Be open about your own experiences
Sharing is not only caring, but it helps to encourage other going through Impostor Syndrome as well as help you address the problem.
Review each other’s resumes
Often, you will find that the other person will understate their accomplishes. For example, instead of saying that they initiated and enforced a project, they will say that they helped with the project’s development. Own your successes!
Share opportunities
If you know that your family member/friend is interested in computer science, and you happen to stumble upon an internship in that field, go ahead and forward it to them.
Encourage people to send their applications out
To follow up with the last step, encourage them to feel confident about their applications and send them out.
Know that every experience, regardless whether you consider it a success or not, is a learning experience. Like someone said in the workshop, it might take you 12 interviews to land a job, but don’t give up because you will find yourself getting familiarized with the interview questions and the overall process, and, in the end, it will be all worth it. You are worth it.
Also, Tina Fey is life.