An Attempt at Inspirational Speaking

Why You Shouldn’t Have Imposter Syndrome

For any career switchers fretting your future

By the talented Lisa Engler

In my experience, “Imposter Syndrome” has been a rampant phrase in the world of my UX compatriots who are undergoing a career change. In school, they warned us that imposter syndrome will happen when we step foot into our first jobs. In speaking with other professionals in my industry, I hear that they, too, have felt imposter syndrome when they began their careers. I understand feeling less capable than my peers around me, I really do, but I want to say this one little thing: Imposter syndrome is completely avoidable.

First, what is imposter syndrome?

Adapted from Kyle Bianchi

In case anyone is unfamiliar with what imposter syndrome is, here is the definition from the psychologists who originally coined the term in 1978, Dr. Suzanne Imes and Dr. Pauline Clance:

The psychological experience of believing that one’s accomplishments came about not through genuine ability, but as a result of having been lucky, having worked harder than others, or having manipulated other people’s impressions

Imposter syndrome is harmful to people, and the symptoms of it can manifest anxiety, stress, and depression. In a review published in December 2019, researchers across 62 studies found that the prevalence of imposter syndrome affects anywhere from 9%-82% of the general population. The review also stated that studies reflected the experience of imposter syndrome was common in both males and females.

This is something that affects nearly everyone.

When does it occur?

Imposter syndrome is generally felt when someone enters a situation where they must transition into a new or unfamiliar environment, such as:

• A new city
• Starting school
• Beginning relationships
• Entering into a new career

People tend to feel ill at ease while they have to adjust to a new experience, and the length at which imposter syndrome is felt can last from a few days to much, much longer. It is a very real thing that can have long-term impacts on your mental health, which is one of the most important things to take care of.

So why is imposter syndrome avoidable for career switchers?

Well I’ll tell you, but I want to state 2 caveats here before I move on:

1. I am not a psychologist/medical professional/a qualified mental health specialist. I am a person who has a particular mindset that I wish to impart with the goal of challenging the prevalence of imposter syndrome amongst my beloved peers.
2. I am applying this mindset to people who are switching/have switched careers and are in the early throes (and I mean throes) of looking for a job or beginning their first position.

Thank you. Now to the why:

Imposter syndrome is ridiculous because there is no reason to enter a new career feeling as though you need to be an equal to those with more experience than you.

Seriously. There’s no need to feel incompetent amongst your newfound peers. When you enter into a new career, the reality is that you aren’t as experienced. That is OKAY. More than okay, really. It’s perfectly expected and normal. However I do understand that it is a difficult feeling to combat.

So, I’ve put together a list of things that I keep in mind (kind of like my rules to go by) to help me fight back against imposter syndrome, and I’d like to share it with you. I hope they help.

Combating Imposter Syndrome

By Yuri Kartashev

1. Understand your place and embrace humility

• You’re new to this. You simply don’t know nearly as much as those who have been in your career for longer. Embrace that. Show people that you understand your limitations and still have more growth ahead of you. As long as you show enthusiasm for growing, people will respect that.

2. Be willing to learn from others

• Ask questions! Ideally, you never want to stop learning, and it’s very likely that your colleagues share that mindset with you. Don’t be afraid to ask them for help. Not only does learning from others help you, but it helps others reinforce what they know. We can all learn through teaching! Besides, it’s very likely that you’ll have something to contribute to them, too.

3. Be yourself

• Imposter syndrome can arise when you feel like you need to be someone who you aren’t in order to give off an impression that you think would be desirable to those around you. Or, perhaps when you feel a great deal of expectation to succeed. First of all, don’t pretend to be someone else because that will only increase the feeling of being fraudulent. Secondly, nobody got anywhere without help. If you feel mounting pressure to excel and it is wrecking you, open yourself to help from others. There is nothing contemptible about that. Human beings cannot get anywhere without other human beings, ya feel?

4. Trust yourself

• You are a career switcher. You are in this position because you wanted to be. You are in this position because you worked for it. You are where you are because of what you know, who you know, and effort. Don’t mistake any of those things for lack of ability. You had a drive, you acted on it, and you’re going to make it pay off. You’ve earned nothing but respect from that. So trust that you did in fact have a hand in your own success, because you did.

5. Find people who you want to aspire to

• It is so important to set goals and find role models who have achieved what you want to achieve. Identify who those people are around you, and learn from them. Find out how they’ve accomplished what they have and consider taking similar steps, even if it seems impossible from where you are at right now. Learn the milestones and take your path little by little.
• Role models and mentors are invaluable because they can offer the wisdom that you have yet to achieve. Be sure to treat them with respect and gratitude.

Keeping these 5 things in mind have worked for me personally. I’ve been able to combat imposter syndrome by acknowledging where I am, what I want, and how much further I still have to go. Basically, I’m trying to be honest with myself and those around me. I know what I know and if I have a question, I’ll ask it.

Wrapping up

By Andy Forshaw

Again, if you are beginning a new career like I had been with UX, it is completely understandable that you feel overwhelmed. It’s also completely understandable that you may feel you need to impress and uphold a standard to make yourself fit the image you presume the company you work for wants. But nay! Be yourself! Show people who you are, and show them that you’re still learning, just like everyone else is.

Here’s the list once more:

1. Understand your place and embrace humility
2. Be willing to learn from others
3. Be yourself
4. Trust yourself
5. Find people who you want to aspire to

You don’t have to feel inadequate or fraudulent when you begin something new. Just understand and embrace your limitations, and show that you are eager to learn and grow.

Thank you for reading!

If you liked this article, I encourage you to add me on LinkedIn. Just be sure to say hi let me know where you’re from!

My LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samueljaklich/