The Paradox of Imposter Syndrome in GrandPR: Turning Theory Into Practice
At this point in my college career, I’ve taken more than 20 different public relations classes. When I walk into a classroom, I know what to expect: write the press release, produce the digital content, and build the campaign. I know how to format my work to meet the standards outlined in textbooks and syllabi, which they define as ‘picture perfect’.
But when I joined GrandPR, everything I thought I knew was flipped completely upside down. The classroom taught me what to do; GrandPR challenged me to actually do it. Imposter syndrome crept up on me like midterms and finals always do. I kept asking myself:
“Why don’t I know what I’m doing? Haven’t I already learned this?”
And that’s when I realized: knowing and doing are two very different things.
The Space Between Knowing and Doing
I’ve been studying the field of communications for years, whether in class, in conversation, or in the media I consume. Yet my first GrandPR meeting still blindsided me. I thought my perfectionist mindset in academic settings would be a strength that would carry me through this new experience. In reality, I quickly learned that trying to appear perfect was only holding me back.
That paradox, “knowing versus doing”, was the root of where my imposter syndrome stemmed. While the classroom gave me the foundation, GrandPR taught me to stand on confidence to execute that foundation.
Collaboration Beyond the Classroom
Group projects are the pinnacle of a communications degree. In the past three years, I haven’t had a single class without one. Oftentimes, collaboration in those projects means doing your part, submitting the assignment, and receiving a grade. GrandPR is on a new level; it’s like a supercharged group project, where collaboration is constant, feedback is immediate, and peers and advisors are deeply involved. It can feel intimidating, but that’s what makes it so rewarding.
I had to unlearn the concept that it was solely my job to make decisions and turn in the final product. As an Account Executive, I am responsible for delegating tasks and monitoring the progress of our campaign for a particular client. In this process, I am expected to coordinate project direction for two Account Associates to meet deadlines. That responsibility is unlike anything I’ve ever worked on. As mentioned, group projects are split into responsibilities and a final combined effort to turn in a final product. There has never been an instance in which I’m asked to create a plan and put it into motion, until GrandPR.
GrandPR taught me how to provide and receive feedback, and how to use that input to build deliverables that are truly comprehensive. I wasn’t just completing group projects anymore; I’m contributing to real projects that matter to clients. That’s when my imposter syndrome began to fade.
From Student to Professional-in-Progress
GrandPR provides students with the chance to practice professionalism at a higher level through real client work, collaborative team environments, and a peer-led structure. It’s a space where we’re encouraged to learn from mistakes, ask questions, and grow, all with the support of the GrandPR team.
So if imposter syndrome begins to creep in when you’re in a room you’ve earned your place in, but your textbook knowledge doesn’t quite match the work you’re doing, remember this: it doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you’re in the middle of the transition. The gap between knowing and doing isn’t a sign you don’t belong, but a continuous process you’re growing and becoming who you’re meant to be.
About Olivia
Olivia Goodwin is a junior pursuing a degree in Advertising and Public Relations with a minor in Political Science. She currently serves as an Account Executive for GrandPR and the Podcast Director for GVPRSSA. Olivia is excited to explore the full potential of her skills within her position, as well as working alongside several peers to advance everyone's skill set. After graduation, Olivia plans to apply her skills in sports and entertainment media.