Conquering Imposter Syndrome: Advice from Communications Professionals

In the competitive world of communications, even the most accomplished professionals sometimes feel like they don't belong. This phenomenon, known as imposter syndrome, can affect anyone regardless of experience level or achievements. Drawing from insights shared by communications professionals across various industries, let's explore strategies for overcoming self-doubt and building genuine confidence in your career.

Recognizing Imposter Syndrome in Communications

Imposter syndrome manifests as persistent feelings that you've somehow "fooled" others about your competence and don't deserve your success. This is particularly common in communications roles, where professionals are often expected to project confidence while navigating complex relationships and high-stakes situations.

Stella, a Marketing Specialist at a Fortune 500 technology company, candidly shares her experience: "What I always tell myself is... you're here for a reason, and your voice matters, and your perspective matters." She emphasizes that younger generations' viewpoints are increasingly valued in the workplace: "It's one of those things you don't realize till you start your career. But folks who are [part of the] younger generations—people are very interested in our perspective and what we have to share."

Breaking Through Socioeconomic Barriers

For many professionals, imposter syndrome is compounded by socioeconomic factors. Christopher, an Account Executive at Deutsch LA, discusses how being a first-generation, low-income student affected his career journey.

"I think being low-income, first-generation offers a lot of mental barriers in terms of what someone believes they can and cannot achieve," Christopher explains. His strategy for overcoming these feelings involved gradually building confidence through creating and sharing his work.

Gianna, a Development & Communications Manager at Groundwork Southcoast, recommends: "Try to unmask as much as possible. No matter what your differing identity might be, try to bring your authentic self as much as possible and see how it lands." This approach helped her develop the confidence to engage with industry professionals and seek their guidance.

The Power of Self-Advocacy

Learning to advocate for yourself is crucial to overcoming imposter syndrome. Stella highlights the value of younger professionals' perspectives in the workplace and the importance of recognizing your unique contributions.

"You're kind of like a mini-advocate for an entire group of people, a generation... and that's really cool," Stella shares. This reframing helped her see her relative inexperience not as a liability but as a valuable asset bringing fresh perspectives to her team.

Finding a Supportive Environment

The workplace environment significantly impacts how we experience and manage imposter syndrome. Gianna emphasizes the importance of finding a workplace where you can be your authentic self.

"Having a workplace that really supports and bolsters individuality, and doesn't just talk a big talk about that as a value, but really walks that walk," is deeply important to Gianna. She found that being open about her neurodiversity led to more support: "I don't have to pretend that I really know what I'm looking at when I'm looking at a budget. Because my boss knows that that's not my strong suit, and she's actively stewarding in me the confidence to build my own budget."

Practical Strategies for Building Confidence

Based on these professionals' experiences, here are key strategies for conquering imposter syndrome:

1. Remember your value: As Stella says, "You're here for a reason, and your voice matters, and your perspective matters."

2. Build confidence incrementally: Christopher suggests "slowly building that confidence, building the work, and having the comfortability to approach others and ask them for advice."

3. Showcase your work: Create opportunities to demonstrate your capabilities and build a portfolio that gives you confidence.

4. Seek supportive environments: Look for workplaces that, as Gianna describes, support and promote individuality.

5. Embrace your unique perspective: Recognize that your viewpoint, especially as someone early in their career or from an underrepresented background, offers valuable insights.

   
   

The Ongoing Journey

Conquering imposter syndrome isn't a one-time achievement but an ongoing practice. Even the most accomplished communications professionals continue to face moments of self-doubt.

The key is developing resilience and self-awareness to recognize imposter feelings when they arise. As these professionals demonstrate, with the right mindset and supportive environment, you can transform feelings of inadequacy into motivation for growth and authentic self-expression.

For those navigating communications careers while battling self-doubt, take heart in knowing you're not alone. Your unique voice and perspective are not just valid—they're essential to the evolution of the communications field.

Remember Gianna's powerful advice: "The more that you can show up authentically, and find somewhere where you can show up authentically, the more you'll get out of your work." This might be the most important communication strategy of all.

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Wishing you success,

Emily McSherry

Founder & CEO