Iðunn brings almost a decade of engineering experience to her role, driving next-generation technology development for challenging industrial environments.
With a background in Industrial Engineering, Production Engineering, and Computer Science, she combines technical expertise with insights gained from her time at Nox Medical to lead DTE’s efforts in innovation, efficiency, and sustainability within the aluminium and metals industries.
Imposter Syndrome can be a self-fulfilling problem
Imposter Syndrome can be a self-fulfilling problemYou’ve started your dream tech job. You’re surrounded by people who just seem to fit. They’ve super-organised, know exactly what they’re doing and what they’re talking about and you… well, you find yourself floundering.
You tell yourself that you’re new, that in time you’ll learn – but the doubt creeps in past your defences. Maybe you’re just not as good as them. Maybe you don’t have the skills it takes to succeed. Maybe you’re not really qualified for your job. Maybe as a woman in a male-dominated workplace, you’re not welcome. Maybe you don’t belong here.
Congratulations: you have a case of Imposter Syndrome.
Chances are you’re qualified and you’re good at your job. But left unchecked, this kind of self-doubt can move from your mind into reality as you hold back, hesitate or hide your talents instead of growing into the role you’ve earned.
And also, the people you think have it all figured out – probably don’t.
You belong here
You’ve just gone through a competitive selection process to get this tech job. You’ve probably been through multiple rounds of interviews, tests and other selection filters.
This means that your new employer chose you over other qualified candidates for a reason. They’ve seen what you can do and know that you are the right fit for your company and the position you now occupy.
If you feel like you don’t belong here then remind yourself that you have a right to your role and it’s now yours to make your own.
Remember that others feel the same way you do
Most of us will at some point feel like an imposter, especially if we make a mistake. That really confident, more experienced colleague you look up to probably felt the same way at some point.
Even if they’re really supportive, an experienced colleague’s immense knowledge can seem intimidating to someone just starting out. But they were once where you are and have built up that knowledge over many years. A good employer will recognise that you won’t have the same level of expertise as them, and you should recognise that too.
Most people want to help
A good employer understands the value of a confident and happy workforce and will do what it can to build confidence. After all, it’s in their interest that their employees are comfortable and happy as that way they’re less likely to start looking for another job.
Identify someone you can talk to about how you’re feeling. They may be able to put your fears at ease, or they might be able to provide constructive criticism and give you pointers on how to improve. Finding a peer, who may be in the same boat as you, can also help.
Remember that even if a male-dominated workplace can seem intimidating, most of the men you work with don’t want you to feel that way and want you to feel comfortable too.
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes
For me, it was very helpful early in my career to not be afraid to make mistakes and to admit to them. I get it – mistakes can be embarrassing. But often they can seem a bigger deal to you than to others.
Admit to them, learn from them, and you’ll earn respect if you’re seen to acknowledge errors and do better next time.
Feel free to keep a list of your wins as well. If something does go well, look back and remind yourself of all the good things you’ve done.
Make sure to help others later on
One day you’ll not be the new person any more. You’ll have someone coming into a more junior role who’ll be feeling like they don’t fit and wondering why you’re so much better than them at everything.
Treat them as you’d have wanted to be treated. Hopefully you’ll have had an understanding role model from whom to draw inspiration. If not, it’s your opportunity to be one.
Imposter Syndrome doesn’t have to hold you back
It’s natural to feel ill-at-ease when you start a new job, especially if it’s your first job in a new industry. Just remember that this feeling is natural and it simply means that you care. You care about your work, you care about your career and caring is never a bad thing. Remind yourself that you’ve earned your role and that you’re probably judging yourself more harshly than others are judging you; others want to help you, if you tell them how you feel.
You’re not the outsider – you’re the future and the industry is better with you in it.
