Impostor syndrome in the tech industry: how to overcome it and shine in your career

In the tech industry, where innovation moves at a rapid pace, it’s common to find professionals who, despite their talent and achievements, feel they are not good enough. This phenomenon is known as impostor syndrome, affecting developers, engineers, designers, and other specialists in the tech sector. If you've ever doubted your abilities or believed your success was just a coincidence, this article is for you.

What Is Impostor Syndrome and Why Is It So Common in Tech?

The term "impostor syndrome" was coined in 1978 by psychologists Pauline Clance and Suzanne Imes to describe a situation where people doubt their own achievements and have an irrational fear of being exposed as "frauds."

In the tech industry, this is particularly common. According to a 2018 survey of more than 10,000 professionals in the field, 57.7% experience impostor syndrome. This is due to several factors:

• Fast-paced change: Technology is constantly evolving, making professionals feel like they are never fully up to date.

• High competitiveness: The tech industry attracts some of the brightest and most passionate talents, which can make others feel inferior by comparison.

• Perfectionist demands: Many tech professionals strive for excellence in their code and solutions, leading them to underestimate their own achievements.

  
  

Strategies to overcome impostor syndrome

Overcoming impostor syndrome is not easy, but with the right strategies, you can build confidence and thrive in your career:

1. Recognize and accept it

The first step to overcoming impostor syndrome is acknowledging that it’s real and that you’re not alone. Knowing that many professionals—even the most experienced—have gone through the same can help you face it.

2. Talk about your feelings

Sharing your doubts with colleagues, mentors, or friends can help you gain an external perspective and realize that you are not a fraud.

3. Document your achievements

Keep track of your accomplishments, projects, and positive feedback. Seeing your contributions in writing will help counteract negative thoughts.

4. Differentiate improvement from perfectionism

No one knows everything in tech. Accept that continuous learning is part of the process and that making mistakes is normal.

5. Face your fears with action

Instead of being paralyzed by doubt, dare to move forward. Apply for that job, give that talk, contribute to an open-source project. Action is the best antidote to insecurity.

Expert testimonies

Rocío Castro, Director of technological innovation

"At the beginning of my career, I thought I had been hired by mistake. But I learned to focus on my achievements and trust my experience. Today, I lead a team of 50 developers, and I know I got here through my effort and skills."

Industry survey

More than 57% of tech professionals have experienced impostor syndrome. The key is to recognize it and apply strategies to counteract it.

Conclusion

Impostor syndrome is a constant struggle for many in the tech industry, but it doesn’t have to define your career. Accepting that learning is a process, seeking support, and focusing on your achievements will help you overcome it and shine in your professional journey.

Have you experienced impostor syndrome?

Do you want to be part of a work environment that values emotional intelligence and fosters your professional growth? At Mobiik, we are looking for talent like yours.

Check out our job openings and take the next step in your career by writing to us at talent@mobiik.com.