Have you ever felt out of place at a job, in a class, or even in a program where you’re fully qualified? You’re not alone—82% of people experience this phenomenon known as imposter phenomenon, the relentless feeling of not deserving their success (American Psychological Association). As a result, it’s no wonder that individuals with backgrounds or experiences different from their peers may struggle with imposter phenomenon. As a master’s student just starting in data science with limited technical expertise, I’ve had my fair share of imposter phenomenon—but that doesn’t mean I haven’t learned effective ways to manage it.
Three years into my psychology degree, with aspirations of becoming a therapist, I conducted a research project in R that opened my eyes to my true passion—data science. Although changing my undergraduate major with graduation approaching was impractical, my determination to pursue data science led me to the master’s program at the Institute for Advanced Analytics at NC State, a program that values interdisciplinary backgrounds.
If you also come from a non-technical background and are navigating a master’s program in analytics, here are some tips that have helped me manage imposter phenomenon:
- Remind Yourself of the Facts
It’s easy to feel like you don’t belong when entering a field dominated by individuals from technical or STEM backgrounds. But remember, you’re not alone. For instance, in my cohort, 39% of the students didn’t come from a STEM background, which means a significant portion of us likely shared similar anxieties about fitting in. The fact that the IAA accepts and encourages students from diverse disciplines highlights the value we bring. The key is to understand that many others have succeeded in this field without a traditional path.
- Embrace Your Academic Background
It’s easy to focus on what you don’t have—such as a degree in computer science or years of coding experience—but it’s more powerful to focus on what you have. Studying psychology has sharpened my ability to understand human behavior, which is incredibly useful for analyzing data. It has made me more empathetic toward how data impacts people and acutely aware of how to practice ethical data science. Additionally, my undergraduate experience has helped me develop excellent communication and leadership skills, crucial for collaborating with teams and presenting data-driven insights to non-technical audiences.
Your background, no matter how different from data science, has shaped your perspective and skills in ways that can be highly beneficial. If you come from the social sciences, you likely excel in qualitative analysis, understanding human behavior, or ethical considerations—increasingly important areas in data science. If you come from the humanities, you may have developed critical thinking and storytelling skills, which can enhance your ability to interpret data and communicate results effectively. Whatever your background, embrace it!
- Celebrate Your Successes
Imposter syndrome often leads us to downplay our achievements, but it’s important to celebrate both small and large victories. For instance, learning a new programming language, completing a challenging project, or receiving positive feedback from peers or professors are all significant milestones that show progress. Completing the in-class activities in my practical Python course this semester has been a meaningful win—it’s a reminder of how far I’ve come and an opportunity to appreciate my growth. Likewise, finishing my summer practicum project demonstrated my ability to tackle complex analytical tasks like cluster analysis and collaborate effectively. Remember, whether your wins are big or small, each one matters. Try keeping an accomplishment journal to track your successes throughout the program. Reflecting on it later can serve as a great reminder of how far you’ve come!
- Share Your Feelings
One of the best ways to combat imposter syndrome is to talk about it. Keeping those feelings bottled up can make them worse, but sharing them with others often shows that you’re not alone. When I discuss my struggles with classmates, it becomes clear that many of them face similar doubts, even those from technical backgrounds. We exchange strategies for managing coursework stress and navigating the uncertainty of whether we’re “good enough.” At the Institute, I’ve built a close-knit group of friends who understand exactly what I’m going through, and we support each other through these challenges. While outside friends can be a great support, having a group within the IAA is especially valuable—they truly understand your experience!
In addition to my classmates, I’ve also benefited from speaking with Shacoya, our program’s embedded counselor. Regular check-ins with a professional who understands the pressures of this rigorous academic program have helped me navigate academic and emotional challenges. Sometimes, all it takes is a supportive ear to feel more grounded and validated.
- Practice Self-Compassion
Transitioning to a new field can be challenging, and no one expects you to be an expert right away. One thing that has helped me is being kinder to myself throughout this process. When I make mistakes or struggle with new concepts, I remind myself that it’s completely normal. Instead of falling into negative self-talk, I reframe my thoughts with compassion.
Instead of thinking, “I’ll never understand machine learning,” I remind myself, “Machine learning is complex, and it’s okay to take time to master it.” Embracing the idea that it’s normal not to have all the answers immediately has made the learning process more manageable. I also consider, “Would I say this to a friend?” Just as you wouldn’t expect someone else to learn something instantly, don’t set that unrealistic expectation for yourself!
Conclusion: Embrace the Journey
Transitioning from social science to data science—or from any non-technical field to a more technical one—is undoubtedly challenging. But by reminding yourself of the facts, embracing your background, celebrating your wins, sharing your experiences, and practicing self-compassion, you can effectively manage imposter syndrome.
The truth is, the more diverse your background, the more valuable your contributions to the field will be. So keep pushing forward, celebrate your unique path, and know that you belong in this space just as much as anyone else!
Columnist: Krista Bogan