Strategies for Overcoming Impostor Syndrome on Your Career Journey

Ever felt like you don’t belong? Do you believe you don’t deserve your success? Do you sometimes question your abilities despite your accomplishments? Do you attribute your success to luck or other external factors (the team, timing, etc)?

You’re not alone. According to a 2019 study, 20% of college students experience some form of impostor syndrome, or intense feelings of inadequacy and fraudulence despite actual success and achievements. The experience is more common among women and other marginalized communities, including first-generation college students whose parents or guardians have not attained a bachelor’s degree at any college or university.

Imposter syndrome can significantly impact your mental well-being and lead to missed career opportunities, stifled creativity, and burnout, holding students back from reaching their full potential.

Imposter syndrome shows up in many ways. Some examples include:

• Perfectionism: Setting unrealistically high standards for oneself.
• Attribution of Success: Attributing success to external factors rather than personal ability.
• Fear of Failure: A persistent fear of failure, even in the face of accomplishments.
   
• Undermining Achievements:
  • Believing that success is a result of luck or timing rather than competence.
  • Minimizing the valuable experience you possess and not being able to articulate your strengths during an interview
  • Refraining from salary negotiation because you don’t believe you are worthy of higher pay
• Lack of confidence in your work abilities and what you bring to the table as a candidate
• Self-Doubt: Doubting whether or not you are qualified for a role because you don’t check every box on a job description
• Shame and Fear: Believing employers will think you are a fraud once you land the job
• Anxiety: Anxiety on the job and constant worry regarding your work performance

Strategies for Success

• Set Realistic Goals: Break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable goals to build confidence.
• Celebrate Your Wins: Keep a record of your accomplishments and allow yourself to recognize your greatness by focusing on the facts rather than feelings of doubt, hesitation, or worry.
• Find Your Village: Who can you confide in? Who will uplift you? Can be friends, family, a counselor, or another trusted resource
• Be Kind to Yourself: Self-compassion and mindfulness go a long way in helping you learn and grow.
• Learn from Your Mistakes: Failure is a natural part of growth and provides learning opportunities. Focus on continuous learning and improvement to maximize your potential.
• Practice, Practice, Practice: Use BigInterview or practice interviews with a career advisor to help you articulate your strengths and wins with confidence.

Imposter syndrome can impact other areas of our lives, including our mental health. If you find yourself navigating anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns, seek a mental health professional at CAPS for assistance.

An advisor is available to support you on your career journey. Schedule an appointment today.

References:
Strategies for Overcoming Imposter Syndrome 
https://www.bentley.edu/news/how-college-students-can-better-manage-imposter-syndrome
https://careers.amherst.edu/blog/2024/05/02/navigating-imposter-syndrome-a-guide-for-college-students/
https://resources.depaul.edu/career-center/services-resources/Documents/DPCC-9-Imposter-Syndrome-Job-Search-Web.pdf
https://www.bestcolleges.com/blog/overcome-impostor-syndrome-college/ 
https://news.byu.edu/intellect/imposter-syndrome-is-more-common-than-you-think-study-finds-best-way-to-cope-with-it 
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0001879119301095#s0120 
https://psychwire.com/free-resources/q-and-a/1vto7yq/unmasking-imposter-syndrome