Four Tips to Combat Intern Imposter Syndrome

By: Piper Finkelson

For young professionals, an internship offers the invaluable opportunity to learn from experts in the field and expand our knowledge. Certainly, excitement and curiosity are at the forefront of these experiences, though, sometimes, imposter syndrome can creep into the back of our minds. We may wonder whether we have the skills to succeed, or if we can live up to the expectations set in place by ourselves and others. From personal experience, I know that these emotions can be daunting, but the good news is that there are ways to combat them!

Below, I have shared four tips that have helped me overcome that doubt to take proactive steps towards growth:

1. Ask what, not why. This piece of advice is a recent addition to my imposter syndrome toolbox. In fact, I gained this tip from Skillsoft’s Percipio course, “The Power of Insight: How Self-Awareness Helps Us Succeed at Work and in Life.” Within this course, keynote speaker Tasha Eurich explains that “why” questions prompt a state of stagnancy, while “what” questions are future-oriented and propel forward action. For example, instead of asking “why do I feel inadequate in my position?” I can instead ask “what can I do to build my skill set and set myself up for success?” By changing the nature of the question, we can discard negative thought patterns and shift into a motivated mindset.
2. Be comfortable with the uncomfortable. When we step towards, rather than away from, uncomfortable situations, we push the boundaries of what we think we are capable of doing. If I am dealing with imposter syndrome, I challenge myself to take actions that are seemingly intimidating. I might share my ideas with my team even when I think they are not good enough, or I may give a presentation even if I feel nervous. When we view discomfort as an avenue for transformation, we can tackle the skewed notions we have of ourselves. In these cases, we often find that we are far more qualified and valuable than we once believed.
3. Seek feedback. With imposter syndrome, self-perception may become flawed. And when we cannot see ourselves in our true light, external references can be a beneficial source of guidance. I find it useful to reach out to managers, mentors, or peers for commentary on my contributions. These conversations allow me to receive honest feedback regarding my strengths and identify areas for improvement. At the end of these discussions, I take time to write down the highlights, pondering whether I received compliments that surprised me or constructive criticism that can help me. Moreover, I consider actions I can take to quell inaccurate thoughts of myself or improve my performance. This process of listening and contemplating, allows us to form a well-rounded view of ourselves.
4. Practice self-compassion. Imposter syndrome cannot be resolved immediately, and thus, it is vital to recognize that small steps are still steps in the right direction. Once I understood that imposter syndrome is a common challenge that takes time to resolve, I was able to approach the issue calmly and productively. In this realm, I have found it helpful to set micro-goals for myself and reward myself when I reach these objectives. These rewards can take many forms, but I like to take myself out to dinner or watch my favorite movie with a friend. Congratulating ourselves and remaining proud of our progress is the key to continuous improvement.

Ultimately, these tactics have helped me cultivate my confidence and navigate the workforce. So, when faced with imposter syndrome, I encourage you to use these tips to ease your worries and release those self-imposed constraints.