A great deal has been written in the last few years about so-called “imposter syndrome” – the feeling experienced by many young academics that somehow they don’t really belong in their new role as a lecturer and that somehow they should never have been allowed to make the step up from being a student. The fear is that you are not good enough, that you don’t deserve this, that you won’t cope and that you will in due course be found out and exposed. There are books about it. There’s a TED Talk about it. Seeing what has already been written makes me feel like an imposter even thinking about writing this post.
If you are in that situation I have two pieces of advice to get you started:
- Get used to it. We all feel that way. Welcome to academia.
- Don’t worry. You are not an imposter. You are as good as it gets.
If you have got the job and you are now a young lecturer, well, you’re it. There is no imaginary, model super-lecturer to whom you are not matching up. Don’t imagine that you are God’s gift to academia, but equally don’t beat yourself up about being an imposter. Be realistic. Be honest. Just get on with doing what you can do and with steadily trying to develop your academic craft.
To some extent newcomers in any profession feel a little bit the same way that you do, but most professions don’t make such a big deal of it as we do. Partly this is because the very nature of academia is such that you have just been thrown into a big pool of competitive and arrogant individuals who are trying to convince the world that they are brilliant and who are trying to climb their greasy pole by seeming more brilliant than their “colleagues”. Sometimes even senior academics ease their own self-doubt by making sure they look better than their junior colleagues. Partly imposter syndrome is worse for us because in academia the new recruits don’t just come in off the street, they convert directly from the ranks: from “the other side of the lectern”. Suddenly you go almost overnight from being a student to being a teacher. Of course you won’t feel confident right away. Of course there will be lots of things for you to learn. Of course lots of things will go wrong and make you feel inadequate. Don’t worry, this is what academic life is like. And it will always be like this, for your whole career, because you will always be able to find colleagues who are, indeed, genuinely brilliant. We can all have our heroes and heroines, but we don’t have to feel inadequate because we are not them.
You are not an imposter; you are just discovering the self doubt that is part of the territory of academic life. If you stare it in the face and turn it to your advantage it will not feel like a problem. If you are an imposter then we all are, which means that you are no less worthy than anyone else to get on with it and do your best.
So here is a longer list of tips for young academics suffering from imposter syndrome:
- Get used to it: it comes with the territory. Most good academics get this feeling.
- Turn it into a positive: use it to encourage reflection and development.
- Realise that you are actually not an imposter: you have strength and merit.
- Make a list of all your qualifications and strengths: recognise your virtues.
- Talk to senior academics and discover that they feel the same way.
- Talk to other young academics and discover you are all in the same boat.
- Helping others with their worry about this will help you with yours. Hold a workshop.
- You do not have to know everything, and it’s OK to say so when you don’t.
- It’s OK to learn on the job and to be on a learning curve.
- Keep asking for help and advice, keep learning, keep developing your craft.
- Never use “being an imposter” as an excuse for not being your best.
- Throughout your career a lot of people have looked at your CV and your achievements and have moved you up the ladder. Even if you have an unconventional background, or even if you are still learning the ropes, and even though – like all of us – you have a lot to learn, that does not make you an imposter. It just makes you one of us. Welcome to academia.
Partly because imposter syndrome has been openly identified and so widely discussed, more and more young academics are saying that they feel this way. In reality, there seem to be two completely separate levels of imposter syndrome. At one level, and by far the most common, I see young academics coming to terms with a challenging new career and attaching this label to their own poorly-defined portfolio of unease. At another level, and much less common, are those people for whom academic imposter syndrome is part of a broader problem of panic and anxiety issues. For this latter group, of course, I really would be an imposter if I tried to offer advice other than “seek professional advice”.
For the former group, those young academics who have picked up the idea of imposter syndrome as a neat way of defining their early-career status, I worry that in dignifying the notion with a fancy name they will allow it define them. For you I have one final piece of advice. If you have picked up the idea of imposter syndrome when in reality you are just a young academic getting started in a challenging career, just put it down again, and let it go. You are not an imposter. Don’t get a syndrome.
[…] Advice for a young academic: imposter syndrome. […]
Great post, there are a lot of things to keep in mind for people in any position, not just young academics
Reblogged this on psychosputnik.
As a PhD student, I know the feelings you describe. While I am aware of the concept of the “imposter syndrome” and have ways to cope with it, I am grateful to you for writing about it and the reassurance you give.
Reblogged this on lacolikaramogo and commented:
A must read.
Reblogged this on Geemee007blog's Blog.
Thanks for the advice.
I have that feeling all the time. When people post those silly memes on Facebook about looking around for an adult and realizing, with some discomfort, that you’re supposed to be it… that’s me. Degrees, work experience, kids, life experience… it’s shocking how little makes you feel like you *know* something or know what you’re doing. Academia is even worse, because every theory has its detractors, for every study, there is a counterstudy.
I have stopped waiting for an “Aha!”-moment and just hope I will eventually get over myself.
When I faced my first class I forgot my topic and none of the students noticed I was standing there trying to say good morning in a squeaky voice … Principal pulled me out of the situation, it felt so embarrassing at that time but now it seems funny .
*reblogging*
Reblogged this on ladysunshine08 and commented:
A must read
whew….pressure is off
Thank you.
Reblogged this on swagallicious.
I really appreciate you putting these thoughts into words. When I began to realize that I was not the only one who felt less than qualified to be in my position, the world seemed less daunting. For the most part, there is no threshold that seperates the experts and the novices, and anyone is capable of filling a position with the right combination of motivation, opportunity, and chance.
I am not a young academic but I am no stranger to imposter syndrome. Especially appreciated tips 2 & 3 from the long list.
Great post. I think it translates across many professions in different forms.
Reblogged this on MathGradStudent.
Thanks for sharing! Working on a PhD and often don’t feel like the “expert” when asked by others. This was encouraging!
Reblogged this on yanahabuki.
[…] Advice for a young academic: imposter syndrome. […]
Reblogged this on parthvyas1771.
Reblogged this on sleepyavalon and commented:
I never thought this syndrome actually exists..but as a young academician..yes..this is on point! It definitely is a challenge..and this blog surely helps!
Reblogged this on agesgist.
[…] Advice for a young academic: imposter syndrome. […]
🙂
I have read it for 3 times and it really touches my feeling. As a future lecture, your advice is useful.
Love it!
Thank you so much. It was really encouraging. It was so hard for me to feel I “belong”. Thank you for your advice.
I actually just created a new blog on international affairs if you are interested: https://affairsinthisworld.wordpress.com/
Cheers!
This is spot on. Really interesting article.
Reblogged this on Jade Southwick.
Very nicely said. Thank you!
Why limit the syndrome to the young? It has pursued me beyond retirement. Excellent insight. ccr
That’s great!
Great post. I think it translates across many professions in different forms.
[…] Advice for a young academic: imposter syndrome. […]
No matter what our goals are, everyone goes through that tremendous, stressful stage in life. But that’s no reason at all to give up, it’s a sign, telling you if I don’t get this now i will never have the confidence to get back out there and really work for it.I love this article and you have really broken down the understanding of academic life, and the process it takes time to succeed in it to better yourself.
I remember feeling this way when I started teaching after getting my PsyD. I got all my degrees in spanish so we don’t use the concept of imposter syndrome (or any similar one, for that matter) and I think not having that concept helped a lot to just push through the insecurity and simply do my best until I felt better doing what I do, even though we’re all in an eternql learning process.
Labes can hurt more often than not, thanks for sharing your thoughts, I already learned something this morning.
Reblogged this on thegroundupproject and commented:
I am a young, twenty-something who aspires to be a teacher, loved writing papers in college, and loves research. Yet I still feel as if I am, in many ways, unqualified to be in academia, or an ‘imposter’ as this thoroughly well-written blog explains. It’s advice to young academics is inspiring, spot on, and very timely.
We live in an age where the ability to teach in the college setting depends almost entirely on whether or not one has a PhD. The only professors of mine who did not have PhDs were some of my creative writing professors, who were hired for the writing prowess. Wouldn’t it be great if literature professors with MAs who have more knowledge and better teaching skills were hired instead of their colleagues with doctorates? Sadly, it seems as if we will not see this day for quite a while.
Another problem is that academic research by those with bachelor’s degrees and master’s degrees are often considered less valuable and less informative than those from academics with doctorates. Also, some reference libraries require one to have a PhD just to use the research material provided. As someone who enjoys research, this saddens me greatly.
Enjoy the read and post your comments below.
Actually the turn towardd hiring MAs as contingent faculty, for far less pay, little job security and no benefits — that time is now across the country. Some do have publications and PhDs. Research COCAL.
Another note on authenticity: if one finds oneself both new and the only Black or Latino faculty member in your department, brace yourself for students w questioning your competdnce and collegues questioning your credentials.
Good one 🙂
On fait comment pour mettre une photo de profil ? Et génial l’article !!
brilliant post
Great advice for newbies in many professions. Reminds me of the first time I was ever put in charge of a team when I was in the military. You question if you’re ready, but the fact is your boss just told you you are! Great post, great words. I will try to remember as I progress in school myself!
[…] Advice for a young academic: imposter syndrome. […]
As has been said before, I feel as if imposter syndrome can be translated to so many other professions. In fact, as a medical student, this entity has been described to me by doctors of all grades and experience levels. I could probably say that myself, as I am now a more senior student and a peer mentor, I feel it too when I am attempting to teach students in the year groups below me.
Valuable tips much appreciated! Many thanks to you.
Good one. Apt for any profession I guess and any experience level…. There are moments in my career, you tend to feel that your shoes are bigger than your feet!!
very useful!
Self doubt at a beginning of a new career is understandable!! Giving a fancy name to it is NOT good! I completely agree with your line of thinking!! Amazing article!!! 🙂
Thanks for this. Good and encouraging read for the young ones. I’ve had to speak about this and to tell young academics that this noble path is like the process a child goes through before becoming an adult. First you are being carried as a toddler, then you begging to crawl, then you begin to take the first steps, afterwards you begin to take fast steps, then begin to do some jumps (high, long, triple and even other more complex ones). Everybody goes through these processes. Thanks for reiterating this to ‘freshers’
Thanks for this.
Had fun reading. Sir, it would be a privilege for me if you would advise me About my posts at www. Thewebplus.wordpress.com
Reblogged this on sailenyi.
Hi,
I read what you wrote I am a teacher and a student who got her masters degree in mid life. I can relate to what you wrote. There were many days I felt like an imposter. Even today I still can’t believe I did it. Thank you for letting me know this feeling is not isolated to me. Nice meeting you.
Janice
SOME WRITING THERE KEEP IT UP
[…] https://petergknight.wordpress.com/2015/08/03/advice-for-a-young-academic-imposter-syndrome/ […]
Sound and pragmatic advice. Well done.
[…] Advice for a young academic: imposter syndrome. […]
[…] Advice for a young academic: imposter syndrome. […]
That is such an inspiring and motivating blog although we do face such imposter syndrome but never accepted it as a syndrome. By reading this blog one will eventually come to recognize discrepancies not only in the field of academia but i think in every part of field. One should quantify the delightful and hideous qualities so that they will be able excel.
to excel
Good artickle , thanks
Reblogged this on A Tiny World Within and commented:
What I liked best about this post is the fact that it just mirrored a feeling I’d been having for long until I decided to give up on my pursuit to write my PhD dissertation. Bad enough only for me, some may say. Though perhaps it just meant I had to stop and think of what I was doing and for what purpose I was doing it.
All in all, I’m glad I found this post. It does explain the way I’d felt about my role in the academic world.
Hope you enjoy as much as me. Thank you for sharing, Peter G Knight 🙂
[…] lectura del post de Peter G Knight me recordó mi antigua e insistente tarea: la búsqueda de un motivo concreto para seguir […]
[…] https://petergknight.wordpress.com/2015/08/03/advice-for-a-young-academic-imposter-syndrome/ […]
[…] Advice for a young academic: imposter syndrome. […]
Reblogged this on eclecticbanter and commented:
interesting read 🙂
Thanks for this! I am just starting my PhD and still struggle with feeling inadequate all of the time.
I forget who said it, that there are no new ideas. This reminded me of that principal.
[…] “tips for young academics suffering from imposter syndrome” https://petergknight.wordpress.com/2015/08/03/advice-for-a-young-academic-imposter-syndrome/ […]
Robert Burton had this to say about the travails of scholars in his Anatomy of Melancholy: “…only scholars methinks are most uncertain, unrespected, subject to all casualties and hazards.” That’ll cheer you up I’m sure!
Reblogged this on nafonikaz.
Reblogged this on HIGH UP!.
I can see how this feeling is so common among budding academics – four years we all spend, taking notes and listening intently. You barely get the time or the reason to note how lecturers accomplish their duty of teaching. They just make it look more or less natural due to their 20+ years of doing it. And within the change of a season, the student is now on the other end of the podium, with maybe having taken one communications class in addition to a few group projects, and they quickly learn it is not easy. On top of all of this, they get none of the respect that faculty members regularly ingest. If the new TA is beginning to feel insecure or self-doubting, then they are probably signaling that sentiment as well. For some, that might even be a beacon for criticism.
Reblogged this on Hypergeometric .
I guess that this state of mind is not only specific to young academics, but to people in general. The best advice that I’ve been given is that “if you ever doubt whether you deserve something or not, know that you do. People who don’t genuinely don’t deserve something are not likely to doubt themselves”. It might not sound very rational, but my intuition tells me that there’s some sense to it. Great post! 🙂
[…] Have you ever felt that you everyone is smarter than you and you don’t deserve to be labeling centrifuge tubes, let alone planning experiments? Well, apparently we ALL feel this way. Link […]
Reblogged this on aryanchaurasia.
[…] Source: Advice for a young academic: imposter syndrome […]
Similar to the above sentiments – I definitely agree that these this ‘imposter syndrome’ can manifest itself across the board in a variety of careers but also during education, particularly in a competitive environment. I’m a current PhD student and I actually found myself questioning my position as an undergraduate when I started university and it’s never quite gone away. With this being said, there are ways to deal with as you’ve described but it’s great that people are openly discussing these thoughts and to know that it’s ok to feel like this!
The best and fastest way to learn a subject is to TEACH it … Thx for writing … very much enjoyed your essay …
Will reblog this.
[…] filling in forms to report back on everything that you did wrong! I wrote a blog post here https://petergknight.wordpress.com/2015/08/03/advice-for-a-young-academic-imposter-syndrome/ about something called “imposter syndrome”, which is where we feel that perhaps we are not […]