Ask HN: How to deal with impostor syndrome when you don't have tech degree?

#1

Post by monkeyodeath » Fri, Jun 07, 2019, 8:00 PM UTC

I’m a software engineer at a well-known, respected company who has zero formal education in the field (my degree is in print journalism).

Before I got my current job, I had always been pretty tech-savvy, and had even done a little experimental programming and web design, but never took any classes or boot camps. A few years ago, during a 6-week stint on disability, I brushed up on my minimal skills and soon after managed to score a job writing code through a connection I had at the same company.

I had major impostor syndrome for a long time, though it somewhat helped that the projects I worked on had little close oversight or code review that might have revealed my lack of training. But after years of good performance reviews, successful projects, and promotions, I started to finally allow myself to believe that I knew what I was doing.

Now, though, the impostor syndrome is back. My management is pushing me towards leadership, and I’m having a hard time trusting that my ideas about software design are as valid as those of a student who’s taking the formal, higher-education classes that I never did.

Anyone else been in this situation anymore? Any thoughts or tips on how to deal with it?

Re: Ask HN: How to deal with impostor syndrome when you don't have tech degree?

#2

Post by alexpotato » Fri, Jun 07, 2019, 8:21 PM UTC

I always think of this story from from Walt Boomer [0].

Backstory: It's right before Gulf War I (1990).

Paraphrased from Gen. Boomer: "General Schwarzkopf asked me 'Boomer, can you get everyone we need to this location by X date?' and I responded 'Yes sir! 100%'.

Immediately after I said that, I thought to myself 'I have ABSOLUTELY no idea how to make that happen.' But we figured it out and that's what happened"

I always think of this because if one of the most experienced and highly trained members of the US armed forces can have that moment of "How the hell am I supposed to do this??", it's ok for the rest of us to have it.

In fact, maybe it's just part of the human condition that we hear that voice no matter how many times we succeed.

That story has gotten me through several tough times and hopefully it can do the same for you.

0 - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walter_E._Boomer

Re: Ask HN: How to deal with impostor syndrome when you don't have tech degree?

#3

Post by jwineinger » Fri, Jun 07, 2019, 8:22 PM UTC

I have the engineering degree and resume, and I still feel it.

Re: Ask HN: How to deal with impostor syndrome when you don't have tech degree?

#4

Post by x0hm » Fri, Jun 07, 2019, 8:39 PM UTC

Whenever I feel like an impostor, I like to go to github and look at other people's code.

Turns out, most of us are pretty bad at this job.

You're a human with a cool brain and an incredible capacity for learning.

Anything you don't know is just an idea whose name you don't know yet.

You're gonna be fine.

Re: Ask HN: How to deal with impostor syndrome when you don't have tech degree?

#5

Post by gcheong » Fri, Jun 07, 2019, 8:41 PM UTC

Realize that you've been in this situation before and that as you got more experience you developed a sense of competency. It's not "fake it till you make it". It's you taking whatever knowledge and skills you have right now and applying them to the best of your ability with the idea that if you find yourself completely out of your depth on all some part then you'll simply ask for help. Even someone who has taken all the formal courses still needs practical experience. If you really think you're missing all that much try taking a couple courses or reading through a couple texts. Trust that management is pushing you because they see the potential in you and that they are willing to invest in your improvement.

Re: Ask HN: How to deal with impostor syndrome when you don't have tech degree?

#6

Post by diehunde » Fri, Jun 07, 2019, 8:42 PM UTC

You don't. You use that feeling to improve every day. At some point you just have to jump into making certain decisions. And as you gain more and more experience you'll see that you make the right ones most of the time.

Re: Ask HN: How to deal with impostor syndrome when you don't have tech degree?

#7

Post by convolvatron » Fri, Jun 07, 2019, 8:48 PM UTC

they don't actually teach software design to any meaningful degree in higher-education classes.

your gut might still be wrong. its a very hard thing to judge. but you don't have a real handicap here.

Re: Ask HN: How to deal with impostor syndrome when you don't have tech degree?

#8

Post by shean_massey » Fri, Jun 07, 2019, 9:01 PM UTC

As soon as you accept, not just “realise”, but actually and honestly accept the fact that there’s always going to be somebody more qualified to do whatever it is that you’re doing.. the imposter feelings will vanish ;) so yeah.. you’re not the most qualified. Absolutely all odds are all against you, in any case. So what? Just make the most of any opportunities you’re presented with and make your time worth while ;) That’s how I’ve dealt with it. Has worked well for me, would recommend!

Re: Ask HN: How to deal with impostor syndrome when you don't have tech degree?

#9

Post by usgroup » Fri, Jun 07, 2019, 9:25 PM UTC

I suggest you dabble ... go buy a textbook and have a read. Once you get a sense of what you don't know, it won't scare you as much. Or at the very least you'll know what you don't know.

Re: Ask HN: How to deal with impostor syndrome when you don't have tech degree?

#10

Post by digitalnomd » Fri, Jun 07, 2019, 9:38 PM UTC

Might I suggest that maybe having imposter syndrome is not such a bad thing. You could interpret it as being keenly aware of gaps in your understanding. It's also much better to admit when you don't know something than to act as if you do.

It's also important to recognize that just because you're competent in one aspect of software engineering, doesn't mean that you would be in another. That being said, maybe you're weighing technical skills too highly. By now you must've realized that technical chops are only one variable in the equation that makes a good software engineer. Other things such as communicating through writing and speaking, understanding the needs of the business, being able to get different teams in an organization to work together are important. One could even argue that they're more important as you get promoted and move up the career ladder and are tasked with more leadership tasks.