Overcoming Imposter Syndrome for Tech Career Success

overcoming imposter syndrome for career change success

If you are experiencing imposter syndrome in your tech career, you are not alone. I wanted to shine a light on what Imposter Syndrome really is and how you can try to overcome it for tech career success.  

Imposter Syndrome is a feeling of self-doubt and inadequacy that can impact anyone, regardless of their level of experience or expertise. The term Imposter Syndrome was coined by Dr Pauline Clance and Dr Susan Lames (2 clinical psychologists at Georgia State University) in 1978 after conducting a study into high achieving women and found that an astonishing amount of women felt inadequate, inferior and perceived themselves as a phoney or fraud, despite lots of evidence indicating the exact opposite.  In the tech industry, imposter syndrome is especially common, as Tech is constantly evolving and there is always more and more to learn.  

Here are 6 tips to help you overcome imposter syndrome and build your inner confidence for a successful career in Tech.

Acknowledge your feelings

The first step in overcoming imposter syndrome is to acknowledge your feelings.  Imposter Syndrome affects about 70% of us at some time in our lives and careers, shows up in many different ways, and can also be accompanied by anxiety, stress, depression and low self esteem. So understand that feeling like an imposter is a common experience, and it does not reflect your actual abilities or knowledge. 

Recognise your achievements

Take time to reflect on your accomplishments and the skills you have developed throughout your career. Make a list of your achievements (A Bragging List if you will), both big and small, and remind yourself of them when you start to doubt yourself.

Embrace lifelong learning

The tech industry is constantly changing, and there is always more to learn. It’s a marathon not a sprint!  Embrace lifelong learning and recognise that it is natural to not know everything. Focus on acquiring new skills and knowledge rather than feeling like you need to be an expert in everything.

Connect with others

Connect with others in the tech industry who have similar experiences. Join tech communities and attend events where you can meet and network with other professionals. Sharing your experiences with others can help you realise that imposter syndrome is a common experience, and it can help you gain perspective and new insights.

Practice self-care

Take care of yourself physically, emotionally, and mentally. Prioritise self-care activities such as exercise, mindfulness, and spending time with loved ones.  When you take care of yourself, you are better able to handle the challenges and stresses of the tech industry.

Seek support

Don’t be afraid to seek support from a tech career coach or therapist.  A tech career coach can provide guidance and support as you navigate your tech career, while a therapist can help you work through underlying emotional issues that may be contributing to your imposter syndrome.

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome For Tech Career Success

Overcoming imposter syndrome takes time and effort, but it is possible.  In my experience Imposter Syndrome is like a shadow that follows you around, or that annoying frenemy you love to hate.  The telegraph calls Imposter Syndrome women’s silent career killer, women’s silent money killers too.

I have found ways to manage it over the years in order to be able to achieve anything, rather than letting it consume me and paralyse me from taking action like it used to.  By acknowledging your feelings, recognising your achievements, embracing lifelong learning, connecting with others, practising self-care, and seeking support, you can build your inner confidence and achieve your goals in the tech industry.

If you’re a woman (or you know of one) who feels frustrated in your current job, and need support to build inner confidence to make a career change into tech, book a complimentary discovery call here to find out how I can help you on your journey to a fulfilling career in tech.

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