TDP #16: Navigating Imposter Syndrome in the Data Field

A quick note before jumping into this week’s issue:

I made some major updates this week to my free Notion tool, The Essential Data Skills Tracker. In addition to a list of core skills, the tool now includes a list of videos and guided projects that I recommend. All free content of course. Now, it’s not just a tracker, it’s a navigator.

If you don’t have it yet, check it out here.

Imposter syndrome.

This is a feeling I’m all too familiar with. I felt it big time when beginning my data career, and can still feel it now.

Regardless of how much time I’ve spent in the field or how much content I write about it, imposter syndrome still knocks at my door from time to time.

But you know what? I’ve spoken to many of my peers about it and they can feel it too. Even those who have been in the field much longer than I have.

Turns out it’s quite common.

With so much to learn in the rapidly evolving world of data, it can be easy to feel like we don’t “know enough.”

There are tons of tools to learn and there are layers to those tools.

Not every data analyst role is built the same either. In one role you might use Excel and SQL in your tech stack, and in another role, you might use SQL, Power BI, and R. This keeps the role feeling fresh and exciting, but also challenging.

So how do we navigate the feeling of imposter syndrome?

Here are 3 ways to work through it.

1 | Recognize that everyone feels it

As I mentioned earlier, this is a common feeling.

What I’ve learned from talking to so many people about it is that almost every data professional feels it at almost every stage.

In a field centered around problem-solving, we regularly tackle issues that we may not have an immediate answer to.

Or despite how much we know about the tools we work with, most of us will never memorize every single function or syntax out there, so seeking online guidance is a regular practice.

With so much to learn, and so many problems to deal with, it can be easy to feel stretched or like there’s still a lot to learn.

And that’s ok because that’s the nature of the field.

Everyone feels it at some point, so don’t feel weird if you’re feeling it too.

2 | Maintain a growth-mindset

I can feel imposter syndrome the most when I think I know more than I do.

When my ego is inflated, it’s bound to be popped eventually.

However, when I recognize and accept that I still have lots to learn, I can approach my career journey with more humility and excitement.

I don’t need to know everything.

I just need to keep learning and growing. That will make me a better analyst, but it will also help me to feel better.

Learn from your colleagues, your peers, your managers, and the many online resources out there.

When our ego is deflated, imposter syndrome is easier to deal with.

3 | Talk to people about it

Piggybacking off that last point, when I talk with peers or mentors about my imposter syndrome, it helps me get through it.

I usually find that I’m not alone in that feeling.

And the process of sharing about it helps me to recognize it, accept it, and let it go.

So my advice here is simple, if you don’t have peers or mentors, go get them.

And if you feel imposter syndrome, talk about it with one of them.

That’s it for this week.

See you next time friends ✌️

Whenever you’re ready, here are 3 ways I can help you:

1 | The Data Portfolio Guidebook

If you’re looking to create a data portfolio but aren’t sure where to start, I’d recommend this ebook: Learn how to think like an analyst, develop a portfolio and LinkedIn profile, and tackle the job hunt.

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2 | 1:1 Coaching Call

For help navigating the data job hunt, consider booking a 1:1 career guidance session with me. We’ll review your resume, portfolio, and LinkedIn, and we’ll also develop a roadmap to get you to your ideal data job faster.

Schedule a 1:1 here

3 | 4-Session 1:1 Coaching

If you’re serious about taking your data job hunt to the next level, consider joining my coaching program. I’ll help you create a roadmap, learn key technical skills, develop your personal branding, and prepare a proven interview strategy.

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