Imposter Syndrome and Engineering Students
Do You Have Imposter Syndrome?
Have you ever been sitting in lecture, feeling like the only clueless one in class, and wondered if engineering is right for you? If so, you’re not alone. Most engineering students have felt this way at one time or another.
There’s actually a name for this kind of negative thinking. It’s called the imposter syndrome. And it’s prevalent in engineering programs around the globe.
Imposter syndrome is the feeling that you’re incompetent with the worry that others may discover that you’re a “fraud” who is out of their league. This syndrome typically affects high achievers, especially those surrounded by other successful people.
And guess what, engineering students are almost always high achievers, so this puts you at greater risk for this negative mindset.
Let’s explore how imposter syndrome can harm you as an engineering student…
Gotta Be Perfect!
Many students with this syndrome feel that they must be perfect and outperform everyone else in class, every time. The issue with always trying to be better than your peers is that when it doesn’t happen there’s a sense of disappointment and shame.
This puts a huge amount of pressure on a person. Pressure that can lead to fatigue, overwork and burnout.
Students can get overcome by the need to study all the time. Now, as a professor, studying a lot is what I’d like to see but there is a point where it becomes too much.
Sooner, rather than later, if all you’re doing is worrying about is getting perfect grades, you’re going to get worn out and frustrated. To keep a healthy balance, you’ve got to take time away from the books and enjoy other activities.
Self Sabotage
Students fear failing an exam, so they don’t even bother to try. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen this happen to good students.
They literally set themselves up to do badly on an exam just so they won’t have to deal with feeling like a failure.
Instead of studying hard, people with this mindset just don’t bother to study much at all. Why?
Because failing an exam after not studying is not nearly as traumatic as studying for days and then failing. Those with imposter syndrome believe that trying and failing is a confirmation that they’re not capable.
It’s easier to say, “I failed because I didn’t try” instead of “I tried hard and still failed.” The students who do this never even give themselves the chance to show what they really can do.
If they put in the time to study and learn the material, they’d more than likely do way better than expected on their exams. Unfortunately, their self-limiting behavior prevents them from these achievements. Achievements that would boost self-esteem.
Instead, they do badly and then end up confirming what they thought leading to lower confidence. Sounds crazy, right? But it happens all the time!
Too Good To Ask For Help
Those with imposter syndrome are always trying to give the appearance that they know everything. They believe this keeps others from seeing them as incompetent.
This leads to huge issues in the classroom! Engineering courses are some of the toughest around. It’s impossible to understand everything thrown at you over the semester. There will be times when you just need to ask for help.
Instead of just getting questions answered, syndrome sufferers will struggle along needlessly. They have the belief that asking for help shows weakness and inability. This couldn’t be farther from the truth though.
Asking for help shows that you’re trying your best to understand. Not only will it help you it helps others around you.
If you’re in class and have a question, ask it! I promise you someone else in that room has the exact same question. If you’re in a study group, having someone explain a topic to you reinforces what they know and helps them perform better.
Questions are a win win situation for all involved so go ahead and get them answered!
Everyone Else Is Smarter
Those with the syndrome also believe that everyone else in the class is having an easier time understanding the material than they are. They don’t get why it takes so long to learn a concept when others seemingly pick it up with ease.
Truth of the matter is that many students in class act like they’re understanding when really, they have no idea what’s going on. I see this all the time.
When your professor asks the class is they understand a new concept and everyone is quiet or silently nodding yes, it’s guaranteed that at least half the class is confused. No one wants to be the one person who doesn’t know what they’re doing though so they keep it hidden.
Unfortunately, to someone struggling with self confidence issues, they don’t recognize this. They just keep believing that they’re not on the same level as their peers which then further lowers their confidence.
Ways to Change the Imposter Syndrome Mindset
Imposter syndrome is frequently found in engineering students but there are ways to curb its negative effects. First and foremost, it’s important to remember that you are in school to learn, not be in a competition with your peers. Forget about the others.
Set realistic goals and expectations for yourself and then work towards meeting them. Meeting your personal goals with boost your self-esteem and give you confidence in your abilities a little bit at a time.
Don’t expect to know and understand everything when it’s first presented to you. It takes time to learn and fully grasp most engineering concepts. If you get stuck on something, go ask for help. If you’re getting lost on almost all the topics, check out these suggestions to boost your learning and grades.
Don’t struggle through it because this will only worsen your self-perception. Professors, teaching assistants, and peers are there to help, make use of them. Go to office hours every week if you have to. I promise you, it won’t make anyone think less of your abilities.
To keep burnout and frustration at bay, it’s important to remember that mistakes are part of the learning process. Studying for an exam until you know everything just isn’t possible.
Your goal should be to perform the best you can and then learn from the errors you make. After all, making mistakes is one of the best ways to grow as an engineer.
Finally, please realize that you aren’t the only one feeling this way. Almost all students I’ve talked to have questioned their abilities at one point or another. I, myself, used to wonder what I was doing in engineering, so I know the feeling. If I had listened to my inner voice years ago as a student I wouldn’t be where I am today, with a career that I love.
The key is to not let negative thoughts prevent you from doing your best or causing you to quit engineering. Engineering is hard but you’re up to the task so just keep at it!
