Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
Imposter Syndrome is an intense feeling of self-doubt that many young people experience in the workplace or academia. I would argue that imposter syndrome affects Black people more, especially when we are the minority in a working or academic space. This year, I experienced imposter syndrome when I started a new job and began a Ph.D. program. In this blog post, I will share how I combated imposter syndrome and share tips on how you can overcome it too.
“Imposter syndrome describes feelings of severe inadequacy and self-doubt that can leave people fearing that they will be exposed as a “fraud”, usually in their work lives.”
Imposter Syndrome at Work
On a Friday afternoon, I sat in the main office with 2 other candidates waiting to be interviewed. I didn't let that phase me, I walked into that meeting room, sat in front of about 10 white women, and I killed the interview! I walked out of there feeling great, and by 10 am Monday morning, they called offering me a full-time position.
Imposter syndrome kicked in on orientation day when I walked into the building a second time and realized just how much of a minority I was. My new coworkers were friendly and welcoming, yet I felt so out of place, unsure of myself, and uncomfortable. I was scared to ask questions because I didn't want to look dumb, and I walked out of there feeling less confident than I did the first day.
As I drove off, I experienced a weird feeling of nostalgia. The imposter syndrome made me romanticize my previous working experience, where I was among people that looked like me because that was more comfortable. I did not understand where this feeling came from because getting this job was the whole point of sticking through those tough times. Why did I feel so out of place for a position that I earned and was qualified for?
“Usually, if you think about who is feeling like an imposter, it’s people not in the privileged class.”
Imposter Syndrom in Academia
I have always wanted to be Dr. Ori, and I know that getting a Ph.D. in counseling would expand my leadership opportunities and increase my pay. I found the perfect online program recommended by one of my grad school professors, and I completed the application and got accepted within weeks. I was super excited and began my courses in the summer. The imposter syndrome kicked in once I started getting critiqued for my poor APA 7 formatting and writing skills. I thought I was a great writer until I began getting low scores on my papers. Looking back, I needed those critiques to improve, but at the time, they felt like jabs to my self-esteem. I felt dumb and alone in my academic struggles.
“It doesn’t go away, that feeling of ‘I don’t know if the world should take me seriously; I’m just Michelle Robinson, that little girl on the south side who went to public school.”
How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome
Self-Affirmations
Whenever you doubt yourself, remember that you got to where you are because you deserve to be there! You are worthy of that position and your accomplishments. Write affirmative quotes on your wall, place affirmative quotes into your reminders, and fill your social media with accounts that encourage you. Take up spaces without fear because you are worthy of nice things.
Peer Support
I joined a support group called Cohort Sistas for black women pursuing their Ph.D. run by one of my favorite Nigerian bloggers, Ijeoma. This group provides peer support based on location and research area, along with resources for scholarships and help with Ph.D. applications. I enjoy the group chat because I connect with another black with similar struggles, and it validates my experiences as a Ph.D. candidate.
For my job, I reached out to friends who assured me that I am worthy of having an excellent job and that I should shrug off the self-doubt. I also started a support group of first-year counselors in my area, and we occasionally meet to destress, share our experiences, and support each other.
Perfecting your Skills
Self-doubt makes you question your abilities and skillset, so one way to combat that is by doing a great job! When you see your hard work results, it's a great reminder that you are here because you deserve to be here.
Give Yourself Grace
Research suggests that people dealing with imposter syndrome should seek therapy. A question my best friend asked me was, "why do you feel guilty for having a good job Ori?" and I could not explain why. I think it comes from years of working in low paying jobs just to get through school. It took a toll on my mental health, but I may seek therapy to combat my negative feelings around positive life changes.
I hope this blog post was helpful. Comment below and share your experiences; let's support each other. Stay safe and stay original.
