Feeling like an imposter in tech?

Ever found yourself questioning if you truly belong in tech, despite all your achievements? You're not alone, and it's time to change that mindset.

Ever felt like you don’t belong in tech, or like you’re not good enough? Trust me, you’re not alone. Imposter syndrome is something many of us face—around 58% of tech workers experience it at some point, and it doesn't just affect freshers. Even senior engineers like myself have struggled with it.

When I started my first job as a software engineer, I often felt like I was out of place. Imagine this: 17 job offers right after graduation, and yet I doubted if I deserved to be in tech. Even when I was promoted to Senior Software Engineer just a year and a half into my career, I kept asking myself, "Am I really good enough for this role?" I remember sitting in meetings, convinced that everyone else knew so much more than I did. But you know what I found out? Most of my colleagues, even the ones I looked up to, felt the exact same way.

So, how did I overcome it? Here’s what really helped me—and maybe it can help you too:

1. Acknowledge Your Achievements

When self-doubt kicks in, it’s easy to forget what you’ve accomplished. I made it a point to write down my achievements, big and small. Remember that Digital Onboarding project I worked on during my internship? It’s now live in over 12 banks across Bangladesh. Millions of users rely on it, and I built it to be highly available and low latency. That project was a game-changer for me—realizing its impact helped me start seeing myself as a capable engineer.

Question for You: What projects have you worked on that had a real impact? Write them down. Remind yourself that they matter.

2. Talk About It

One of the best things I did was talk about my insecurities with trusted mentors. Whenever I felt overwhelmed, I reached out to Nahid bhai. He always listened, reassured me, and gave me valuable advice. You’d be surprised how many people are willing to support you—sometimes, all it takes is being open about your struggles.

Question for You: Who can you talk to when you’re feeling unsure? Find that person, and have an honest conversation.

3. Continuous Learning

Whenever imposter syndrome hit, I turned that energy into learning. I picked up new tools, frameworks, and approaches, which turned my self-doubt into excitement for growth. Suddenly, the challenge wasn't "Do I belong?" but "How much more can I learn today?" This mindset shift helped a lot.

Question for You: What new skills excite you? Set aside some time each week to explore them.

4. Set Realistic Goals

Big projects can feel daunting and feed your insecurities. I learned to break them down into smaller, more manageable tasks. Celebrating each step—no matter how small—made me realize that progress is still progress. It’s those little victories that build your confidence over time.

Question for You: What’s a big project you’re working on? Break it down into bite-sized tasks, and celebrate each milestone.

5. Seek Feedback

Feedback used to scare me, especially when it was harsh. But I realized that constructive criticism is one of the most valuable tools for growth. Even the feedback from people who weren’t my biggest fans helped me improve. Over time, I learned to welcome it and use it to make my work better.

Question for You: Are you open to feedback, even when it stings? Embrace it—it’s there to help you grow, not hold you back.

Imposter syndrome doesn’t disappear overnight—it’s something you have to work on. But with time, I’ve learned that I deserve my place here, just like you do. If you’re feeling like an imposter, remember: you’re not alone. Acknowledge your achievements, talk it out, keep learning, set realistic goals, and use feedback to grow. You belong in tech—stay confident, and keep moving forward.