Tackling the Imposter Syndrome in Computer Science
Recently, I have transitioned into the field of computer science following the completion of a degree in biochemistry. The last time I had programmed before starting this second degree program was in secondary school which was four years ago. Naturally, this would cause some self-doubt on whether I can pick up the pace and play the catch up game with my fellow computer science counterparts. Initially I had felt the full blown effects of the imposter syndrome, however, an incredible amount of motivation had replaced such feelings and converted the feelings of inadequacies to the thirst to acquire more knowledge.
In computer science, the content could click immediately for some, but not as immediate for others. It is important to not compare yourself to others and feel that you don’t belong simply because the individuals around you could get the material. Typically, the feeling of inadequacy through comparison to others could be essentially lead to a downward spiral of sadness and increased stress. This feeling is the imposter syndrome.
The Imposter Syndrome is a collection of feelings of inadequacy and self doubt where you worry that you will not live up to expectations, doubt your own accomplishments, and have persistent internalized fear of being a “fraud”.
Usually, these types of feelings arise when you feel that you are under-qualified for positions you currently hold, or tasks that you may be assigned. It may occur while casually talking with friends, classmates, or attending hackathons.
“I am a beginner so I shouldn’t go to hackathons. I’m not qualified enough.”
“Should I even be in computer science? I feel so far behind.”
Despite such feelings, it should be stated that it is okay.
It is okay to feel inadequate and unqualified.
Instead, we can simply view these inadequacies as additions to a massive checklist for self-improvement and self-development. Take such feelings and use it as motivation to add to what you do know.
Explore and reignite your passion to learn. Use these setbacks as goals to motivate yourself, to develop yourself, to add to your arsenal of knowledge, and to keep yourself on track.
As one who has transitioned from biochemistry to computer science, I had felt I was way behind everyone else. It was not a very happy matter of course.
However, such feelings of inadequacies could be used to fuel your passion to learn and motivate you to go explore the vast sea of knowledge out there. Numerous free resources, at least in the context of learning programming, are out there. Take them, learn from them, and apply such knowledge.
Study, Build, Apply, and Repeat.
This also applies to hackathons. Feel inadequate? Go register anyway.
Hackathons provide you opportunities to push out a product and contribute. If you don’t know something, you can learn and “hack” something together. If you end up building a project — great, however, even if you don’t, there is no problem!
Struggling is part of the learning process. It is okay to not get something. At the end of the day, as long as you had taken something from the experience — it may be worth it. Go to hackathons to learn and explore.
Naturally, you could also use such events to network and make new friends alongside learning new skills that usually aren’t taught in introductory computer science courses.
Everyone feels imposter syndrome at some point. The key is how to view such obstacles. To drown in feelings of inadequacy or to fuel yourself to improve.
It is important to take these feelings of inadequacy and use them as motivation rather than to bring yourself down further. These inadequacies can also be worked on and thus, you could get better at the skill as you practice more.
It is also important to take and value constructive criticism by seeking help when needed. When in a work /collaborative environment, it is important to understand that you may be slowing down your team if you don’t seek help.
It is crucial to acknowledge these thoughts of inadequacy and observe how it may contribute to your personal development. By re-framing these thoughts with a growth mindset, it may introduce a boost of self-confidence and new found motivation to keep yourself going.
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Hopefully, this article provided some insight. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions. I will be still updating this as more ideas come up.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrbenc88/
