How to Use Imposter Syndrome to Your Advantage

“You’re not competent enough to be a software engineer”

“You went to school for software engineering, why couldn’t you get a role in development?”

These were some of the thoughts that I had flowing through my head at the beginning of this year.

If you’re a software engineer, or currently a student studying software engineering or computer science – you know what I’m talking about.

This dreaded feeling that I’ve just described to you is imposter syndrome.

This feeling can either be a good thing (growth mindset) or a bad thing (fixed mindset).

Here’s what you need to know about imposter syndrome.

If you have a growth mindset, it can be a great feeling and here’s why.

Knowing that you don’t know enough can push you to become even better and grow.

On the flip side, it can be a bad feeling if you have a fixed mindset because of the limiting beliefs that you may hold about yourself.

“I’m not good enough. It’s too hard. I don’t know enough!”

It doesn’t have to be scary.

Lean into it to spark your curiosity and grow.

Over the past 5 weeks, I’ve had the great privilege and opportunity to join Co.Lab as a Software Developer to work with a Product Manager and a UI/UX Designer.

We all didn’t know each other and were strangers working together towards a common goal.

All we had was 5 weeks.

The result?

We tackled a problem in the educational/professional development learning space.

We worked cross-functionally to plan, design, build and ship a product in 5 weeks.

And on Demo Day, we placed for the top 5 product pitches out of the 21 winter cohort groups.

Through Co.Lab, I ultimately became a more confident and competent software developer because of these experiences.

Also, I learned so much stepping into a software developer's role when it came to making decisions on the technology stack, providing development estimates, and working well within an agile team setting.

I had one goal in mind upon joining Co.Lab and that was to walk out as a more confident software developer.

It was through this experience; I learned a lot about the role and how quickly I was able to learn through developing a product.

As for my own personal accomplishments in the program, I have:

Learned how to work in an agile team setting.

Learned how to use code documentation and do developmental increments while learning.

Learned from the perspectives of a Product Manager and UI/UX Designer.

Learned and developed in React.js and deployed the web app in 5 weeks.

My team and I came out with the product: Manabu.

Product Vision: Manabu is a learning coach web app. It is based on learning science. It helps you to learn more efficiently, effectively and makes you feel engaged. This allows you to have more time for other things in your life.

Below is the video of the product pitch.

You can also visit the live app here: https://manabuapp.com/

Note: Make sure you're viewing on desktop as it currently does not work for mobile yet. You will need to enable desktop notifications from your browser.

I've mentioned some of these things above I didn’t know about or was I proficient in. Because I didn’t know these things, this is how I used imposter syndrome to my advantage to grow as a Software Developer.

If you ever experience or feel imposter syndrome, lean into that feeling. Ultimately, this just means that you are growing, and new horizons are waiting for you.