Yevheniia Hutorova is an app developer at LM Global, which specialises in providing telecoms and technology that allow organisations to work anywhere, productively and securely.
Originally from Ukraine, Yevheniia moved to the UK when war broke out in 2022, leaving her family behind. With no prior experience in tech, she attended a coding bootcamp and built her career from scratch.
Today, she works on projects for companies around the world. While her career journey hasn’t followed a conventional path, she openly discusses how imposter syndrome has been part of her experience, as she tells SheCanCode.
When war broke out in Ukraine, I had to leave my home, family, and friends behind, arriving in the UK with very little, limited English, and no prior experience in tech.
I’d worked in a beauty salon and in my family’s pet shop wholesale business, but I knew I wanted something different – a career where I could grow and really make an impact.
The idea of moving into tech felt impossible at first. I had no coding experience, and I often felt like I didn’t belong. That feeling, the nagging doubt that you aren’t good enough or don’t deserve to be where you are, is what they call imposter syndrome.
Speaking to others in the sector, particularly women and those in the early stages of their careers, it’s surprisingly common and I really suffered when I started initially searching for jobs.
Had I let it get the better of me, then it could have really held me back, but I realised early on that it wasn’t a reflection of my abilities, it was just my fear speaking.
Overcoming it meant focusing on what I could control and taking small, deliberate steps towards my goal, including…
Learning from my setbacks
Every interview I attended, every rejection and every challenge were a chance to learn. When I didn’t succeed, I asked myself: “What can I take from this experience?” Treating setbacks as lessons rather than failures shifted my mindset.
Imposter syndrome thrives on perfectionism, so reframing mistakes as growth was liberating.
Building my support network
Moving to a new country can feel isolating, and I was lucky to have a sponsor family who welcomed me and helped me adjust. I also connected with organisations like the NUFC foundation, which offered workshops, career guidance, and introductions to local businesses.
When I later joined LM Global, the team made me feel welcome from the very first day. Their support, encouragement, and patience helped build my confidence and made it easier to believe that I belonged in the industry,
Support networks come in many forms, mentors, friends, colleagues, or community groups, and they can make all the difference when you’re fighting self-doubt. You don’t have to navigate a job search alone.
Practice, practice, practice
Confidence comes from preparation.
I rehearsed interview answers, and role-played tasks, the more familiar I became with the process, the more my anxiety decreased.
Imposter syndrome often convinces you that you’re unprepared, but preparation shows you exactly what you’re capable of.
Valuing my unique perspective
One thing I’ve learned is that experience doesn’t have to look a certain way to be valuable.
My background in beauty and my family’s business taught me problem solving, customer care and resilience, skills that are transferable to tech.
Suffering from imposter syndrome can make you feel like you need to fit a mould, but the truth is, diversity of experience is what makes teams stronger and ideas better. Your story is your advantage!
Focus on progress, not perfection
Finally, I remind myself that it’s okay not to know everything.
The tech industry moves fast, and no one expects you to have all the answers.
Instead of comparing yourself to others, I measure growth by the skills I’ve gained and the challenges I’ve overcome, small wins add up, and they gradually quiet the voice of self-doubt.
Switching careers and moving countries is daunting, and imposter syndrome is real, but it doesn’t have to define you.
By leaning on support, embracing learning, practicing relentlessly, and valuing your own unique journey you can move forward with confidence.
The journey may feel uncertain, but every step brings you closer to your goal and reminds you that you truly do belong.
