It’s very easy to feel like an ‘imposter’ when you’re starting out in academia. Prof Ruth Barcan wrote about this in Times Higher Educationlast year: “many of my colleagues (especially women) gave out subtle signs that they did not feel they were up to the job—almost as though they had been employed in error and would sooner or later be found out.”
This is known as the Imposter Syndrome and symptoms include:
- Secretly worrying that others will find out that you’re not as bright and capable as they think you are?
- Shying away from challenges because of nagging self-doubt?
- Hating to make a mistake, to be less than fully prepared or doing things less than perfectly?
These are classic symptoms and are understandable. The good news is that we are far from alone, and there is plenty that we can do to overcome the situation.
Dr Caron Wood will be visiting the University to run a half day workshop that will help with this. More details on the Fundermentals blog.
It is free, and open to all University academics and researchers. However, do let contact Phil Ward if you would like to take part.