Peer Career Consultant Blogs

Dealing with Imposter Syndrome in the Workplace
Have you ever found yourself in class, at a job, or during an internship thinking, “Everyone else seems so much more accomplished than me! Maybe I don’t deserve to be here,” or “My teammate solved this problem so quickly—am I smart enough for this?” If so, you’re not alone. These thoughts are common and are often described as imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is a pattern of self-doubt, where individuals question their abilities and even their worthiness for their role. Leaning into these thoughts can make work feel less enjoyable and limit one’s potential in the workplace. 

Interns often experience imposter syndrome as they begin their careers with less real-world experience than their teams and managers. I personally struggled with imposter syndrome during my internships, especially when comparing my work to that of fellow interns. Each week, I’d hear about the challenging projects my friends in the intern cohort were tackling. My own projects had a more sporadic schedule, based on my team’s workflow, so during quieter weeks, I felt undeserving of my position and the recognition my team gave me.

Despite these feelings, I knew I had to move past this mental block to give my full effort. As I worked on overcoming imposter syndrome, I began to enjoy my internship experience much more. I felt happier around my intern friends and produced better results on my projects.

Here are three tips I found helpful to overcome imposter syndrome in the workplace:

1. Keep a Daily Work Journal  – Track your accomplishments throughout your internship, from progress on major projects to daily contributions that support your team. Recording these not only helps you craft strong resume bullet points later but also serves as a reminder that the work you’re doing is valuable and positively impacts your team. No matter what tasks you take on, your contributions lighten the load for your manager or colleagues, making a meaningful difference.
2. Reframe Negative Thoughts – When imposter syndrome thoughts arise, like “I’m not good enough” or “I don’t deserve to be here,” try reframing them into affirmations like, “I’m learning and growing every day,” or “Everyone has strengths and weaknesses; I’m on my own journey and making progress.” Practicing these mental shifts regularly can help train your mind to adopt a more positive, growth-focused perspective over time.
3. Celebrate Every Victory—even the small ones! No matter what you’re working on, take a moment to recognize your efforts, whether it's finishing a project or completing a single step. Each accomplishment, big or small, is a step forward, and acknowledging them helps build confidence and motivation. Remember, every contribution adds value and supports your team’s goals, so give yourself credit. Taking time to appreciate your progress also reinforces a positive mindset, making it easier to tackle future challenges with enthusiasm.