Imposter syndrome.
General lack of confidence.
Doubt.
Fear of the unknown.
A lot of us have dealt with–or are still dealing with–some sort of internalized challenge that has gotten in the way of our career progress.
And it sucks!
For those of you who know what I’m talking about, keep reading. I have a lesson I want to share with you that has helped me immensely.
In early March 2024 I was invited to a panel hosted at my alma mater to talk about how my Black identity has impacted my career trajectory.
It had me reflecting on things I don’t always directly think about. Definitely not recently. Lemme explain real quick.
I was a STEM student (still feel like I’m a STEM person deep down, but that’s another story). I majored in math and computer science at UC Santa Barbara. In the majority of my classes for my majors, I was the only black student. At most, I remember there being 1 or 2 others in some of them.
I remember being stared at when I walked into the classrooms. It was like one of those “Uhhh– oh snap I’m staring at him and he saw me” looks. Lol.
And get this! When I first started in computer science I didn’t even know what it actually was. But my peers definitely did. Many of them went to high schools that taught CS. Mine definitely did not, so I was kinda coming in behind.
Put all that together and what did it make? Say it with me–Imposter Syndrome! Still, I got pretty good.
Fast forward to now and I coach people on how to successfully navigate the job search process through the wonderful world that is Be Gallant Coaching. When I take a look at my fellow coaches, or when I’m in a space with other coaches, what do I see?
I’m almost invariably the youngest and the only black person. I’ve even had people point it out to me.
I still feel imposter syndrome from time to time.
BUT!
In that, there’s a lesson I’ve picked up over time that’s helped me make more progress faster. And it started back in my computer science and math days as an undergrad.
Ready for this? Here it is…
I can keep my imposter syndrome. I don’t have to defeat it or vanquish it.
As long as I remember it’s not allowed to make or influence my real world decisions.
Because guess what, yall? I’ve helped LOADS of people take the next step in their career.
I’m talking land jobs, pivot industries, negotiate better offers. The works.
I’ve empowered lots of people and the vast majority of them are BIPOC and/or underrepresented.
The messages things like my imposter syndrome tell me aren’t actually real. I feel them. They come from real things and experiences…but they’re not real.
So if you deal with imposter syndrome or lack of confidence or fear or whatever your “gremlin” is. Cool.
You can actually keep it. You don’t have to utterly vanquish it at all.
Just remember that it has to sit in the back seat, and under no circumstances does it get to touch the steering wheel.
Take some imperfect action today!
It’s time to get moving on your career goals, and if job searching is on the horizon for you, it’s time for you to identify your brand.
Your brand is what sets you apart from a competitive pool of people who are just as qualified as you are.
It’s what helps employers understand the transferability, value, and impact of your skills.
If you don’t know what your brand is right now, sign up below for info on how you can start to build it today.
Your skills and experience are valuable and transferable, especially if you’re coming from the education or non-profit worlds.
Stay Brave!
Be Gallant Coaching 