How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome
Imposter syndrome is the feeling of inadequacy despite evident success. Those who suffer from imposter syndrome suffer from chronic self-doubt that tends to override their feelings of success or proof of competence.
As graduation approaches, and I prepare my portfolio for internships and life post-grad, I find myself mulling over what I’ve accomplished in my undergrad. Is my work good enough? Am I good enough? Am I ready for the working world?
I think many of us are feeling this overwhelming sense of impending doom. Imposter syndrome is a real thing and it’s something we have to combat head-on. The real world is approaching fast, and here are some tips to combat imposter syndrome:
Understand this is a normal feeling
You are not alone in feeling like you are not good enough to be employed. You might feel like you are keeping your imposter syndrome a secret, but odds are, your peers feel this way too. Reach out to others so you don’t feel alone. Not only does this help your state of mind, but you could also help out a friend, too.
Realize you aren’t perfect yet and move on
Everything we are learning in our classes is setting us up for success. Employers understand recent grads aren’t perfect professionals yet, but what they are looking for is for you to have the tools and knowledge that can be developed in the workplace. Employers don’t want to teach you, they want to train and mold you. Demonstrating what you know how to do lets employers know you’re almost there - show them you want to learn! There is always room to grow and a lot of that is going to be done on the job.
Fake it ‘til you make it!
Act like you know what you’re doing! Honestly, no one knows what they’re doing - everyone is in the same boat of trying to figure all of this out. If all else fails, at least you look confident. Emulating experience, knowledge and confidence may actually change your behavior in a real way. Sociologist, Robert K. Murton coined the phrase, saying “that a prediction about the outcome of a situation can invoke a new behavior that leads to the prediction coming true.” Fake your confidence until you have it can benefit you in the long run, but you have to commit to it in order to make it work.
Imposter syndrome is real, but it can be fought head-on. The key is to realize you are not alone, you have tools to set you up for success, and you can build your confidence by acting like you know what you’re doing.
About Carolyn:
Carolyn is a senior at GVSU where she is majoring in Advertising and Public Relations. This is her first semester at GrandPR where she currently serves as an Account Associate. Carolyn also is a member of Grand Valley’s chapter of PRSSA where she enjoys learning and networking with PR professionals. In her free time, Carolyn enjoys playing board games with her family or having a girls night catching up on The Bachelorette.
