Imposter Syndrome in the Tech Field
Tags: beginners, programming, softwareengineering, impostersyndrome
Published: 2023-06-23 15:47:15

## **What is Imposter Syndrome?**
Imposter syndrome refers to a psychological phenomenon where individuals doubt their abilities and accomplishments, feeling like they are undeserving of their success and fearing that they will be exposed as frauds. Despite evident external validation and recognition, those experiencing imposter syndrome often believe that they have somehow deceived others into thinking they are more competent or intelligent than they truly perceive themselves to be. This internal struggle can lead to persistent feelings of self-doubt, anxiety, and fear of failure, causing individuals to downplay their achievements and constantly strive for perfection. Imposter syndrome can affect people from all walks of life, regardless of their accomplishments or qualifications, and it often stems from unrealistic standards, a fear of judgment, or a lack of self-confidence. Recognizing and addressing imposter syndrome is crucial for individuals to embrace their accomplishments, appreciate their true capabilities, and develop a healthier sense of self-worth.

## Imposter Syndrome in Tech
The industry's emphasis on technical skills and expertise can create an environment where individuals feel pressured to be on top of the latest trends and possess a vast amount of knowledge. This can be especially overwhelming for folks who are just starting to dip their toes in the industry. But don't worry, you aren't alone. Even the best tech professionals often find themselves surrounded by brilliant minds and groundbreaking technologies, which can intensify the fear of being exposed as incompetent or inexperienced. Additionally, the ever-evolving nature of technology can lead to a constant sense of being behind or not "good enough."

## My Experience While Transitioning into the Tech Industry
In high school, I never had any interest in programming as I thougt it was just for nerds, and I wanted to be an artist. From my perspective, programming and art were polar opposites as one involved creativity and the other was all math. As I went into college, I started as a business major with no clear idea of what I wanted to do, but knew it had to involve art in some way. When I was thrown into an intro to web design course in my freshman year, I fell in love and immediately switch my major to CIS. I learned that through programming I could not only use my creativity to make something awesome, I could also use my love for problem solving to make that awesome looking thing do some really cool stuff. Now, I too, am one of the computer nerds. The transition wasn't as easy as I thought it would be though, as I soon discovered the nightmare of imposter syndrome. Everyone in my classes had been coding throughout high school and some for even longer and I had just started. On top of already feeling inferior to my peers, the class structure was just lectures and almost no real hands on learning or labs to practice these new skills we were supposedly learning. This just amplified my feelings of self-doubt as I felt I didn't know how to do anything code-related and certainly didn't belong with all of the people who did know how to code. 

##Overcoming the Doubt
Although I know imposter syndrome and the feelings of doubt that come with it are all too real, I also know that I, and you for that matter, are more than deserving of a spot at the table. Overcoming imposter syndrome while transitioning into the tech field requires a proactive approach to address the doubts and uncertainties. Recognizing that imposter syndrome is a common experience helps in understanding that these feelings are not indicative of one's actual abilities or worth. In my journey, I found that seeking out educational opportunities that aligned with my learning style and needs played a crucial role. By enrolling in a software engineering program through Flatiron School during the summer between my junior and senior year of college, I discovered the importance of an effective learning environment. I realized that my previous struggles weren't due to a lack of knowledge or skill, but rather a mismatch between my learning style and the teaching methods employed. So while trying to overcome imposter syndrome during your transition into the illusive tech industry, or even if you've been here a while, I encourage you to take a step back and assess whether your current learning environment is conducive to your progress. If not, be open to making a change and seeking out resources, courses, or mentors that can provide the support and guidance you need. Remember, you deserve to thrive in the tech industry, and finding the right learning environment can help you build the confidence to overcome imposter syndrome.