8 The threat of impostor syndrome

 

This chapter covers

  • Understanding what impostor syndrome is, why it’s important, and who experiences it
  • Examining yourself to identify the causes of your impostor syndrome
  • Avoiding or overcoming impostor syndrome
  • Objectively recognizing and celebrating your achievements

Until now, we’ve focused the bulk of our attention on preparing for and landing that first job in cybersecurity. Now it’s time to start looking at the forces that could work against you after you’ve landed that first role. Reading various studies from the medical, psychological, and career development industries, you’ll find that an estimated 70%-85% of people experience a phenomenon known as impostor syndrome.

As we discussed in chapter 2, the cybersecurity industry suffers from a lingering rockstar culture. With so many large events, well-recognized personalities, and wide ranges of expertise, impostor syndrome is particularly common in this field as well. All right, you ask, what is impostor syndrome, and why should I care? Well, it is time to answer some of those questions and more.

8.1 Defining impostor syndrome

8.1.1 What is impostor syndrome?

8.1.2 Why do we care about impostor syndrome?

8.1.3 Who experiences impostor syndrome?

8.2 Understanding the causes of impostor syndrome

8.2.1 Perfectionism

8.2.2 Industry expectations

8.2.3 Comparison to others

8.2.4 Lack of representation

8.2.5 Diminishing accomplishments

8.3 Overcoming impostor syndrome

8.3.1 Avoid competition

8.3.2 Set goals and define what success means to you

8.3.3 Turn to colleagues and peers

8.3.4 Be a resource to others

8.3.5 Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements