Imposter Syndrome: The Silent Killer of Self-Confidence and Belonging

As many of us young PR professionals become upperclassmen or approach graduation, it is not uncommon to be plagued by doubts and uncertainty about our abilities and competence heading into the workforce. Unease about the future is normal as we enter periods of new experiences and unforeseen circumstances in our new roles. Whether your role is as an intern gaining your first professional experience or in a full-time position after graduation, feeling nervous is normal. With so many unknowns, one thing is for certain: you are worthy and capable, even when your brain is telling you you don’t belong.

So What Is Imposter Syndrome?

Imposter syndrome is a psychological phenomenon characterized by persistent feelings of self-doubt, negative self-talk, feelings of inadequacy, self-esteem issues, and a fear of being exposed as a fraud. Many people often downplay their success by chalking it up to luck rather than hard work and feel that they are undeserving of such achievements. There are five types of imposter syndrome: perfectionist, expert, natural genius, soloist, and superhuman. Of these, perfectionism is the most common and has to do with making sure everything is done correctly and obsessing over minor errors. Imposter syndrome is extremely common, with findings reporting that roughly 82% of people will experience it at some point in their lives. Despite this, there are several ways to curb the symptoms and overcome these negative feelings.

The Psychology Behind Faking It

I think we’ve all heard the infamous phrase “fake it till you make it”. It has to do with projecting a sense of self-confidence by exuding confidence even when you’re nervous. By doing this, your body will eventually get used to the feeling of confidence, and you will inherently become more confident. This approach should be used with caution; however, you should only be faking how you physically present yourself, not in the knowledge and skill sets you possess. Faking confidence and how you present yourself to others, especially when you first meet people, is important and makes a lasting positive impression. Faking your capabilities and competence can lead to lower credibility and trust when results do not yield the way you claimed they would. 

You’re More Qualified Than You May Realize

When doubt creeps into your mind, it’s important to make note of your successes and remind yourself how you got to where you are. You were hired into your role for a reason: someone saw potential in you and felt that you were qualified to fill the position. Displaying successes in your workspace for you to see each day, like awards, certifications, degrees, or photos of positive memories, are ways to keep reminders close. Additionally, keeping words of encouragement and records of praise for the work you’ve done are other small ways to reaffirm your position and the positive impact your work has had. College prepared you with a baseline understanding of your career field and provided you with real-world experience. With this said, the company you choose to work at will train you to fit with their culture and how you are expected to perform. You are not expected to know everything, but it’s important to be confident in what you do know and to ask questions and remain curious throughout your career. 

Comparison Is the Thief of Joy

Comparing yourself to others is natural; everyone does it, yet it often only has negative effects. It’s important to be secure enough in yourself that hearing about or witnessing others' success does not diminish your own accomplishments. Everyone is on their own unique journey, and you should not base your worth on what those around you have achieved. Mistakes are inevitable and are what facilitate growth and learning moments. Again, confidence and self-worth are essential to avoid negative self-talk and feelings of inadequacy as you interact with people who have more experience, knowledge, and credibility than you. 

It’s A Temporary Mindset, Not An Accurate Representation of Yourself

Many of us will likely experience imposter syndrome. The three tactics mentioned are just a few of the ways to curb symptoms and upgrade your mindset when negative feelings persist. If you do encounter imposter syndrome, know that it is only temporary, and you are not alone in your feelings. Everyone doubts themselves and their abilities, especially when first starting in their career. Skepticism or a lack of confidence does not determine your worth or your journey as you learn and grow as a young professional.

About the Author

Jaelyn is a senior graduating in Winter 2026. She is majoring in Advertising and Public Relations with a minor in Applied Communication. This is her third semester in GrandPR, and she currently serves as Firm Editor, having previously served as an Account Associate and Account Executive. After graduation, she plans on working for an agency on the east side of the state before moving internally in either the automotive, food and beverage, or retail industries.