When I first received my letter of acceptance into the MSc in Digital Management program, there was a mix of excitement and nervousness that washed over me. I spent the rest of the school year and summer telling people I was starting my master’s at Ivey in September, but it didn’t really sink in that I’d soon be case prepping, pulling all-nighters, and sitting in a classroom with incredibly intelligent peers. When September came and the first day of classes began, I remember walking through the heavy doors of the Ivey Building and feeling the weight of imposter syndrome creeping in almost immediately.
My Experience with Imposter Syndrome
For those unfamiliar, imposter syndrome is the persistent inability to believe that one’s success is deserved, which hit me hard during the first few weeks at Ivey. I remember sitting in the horseshoe shaped classroom listening to my classmates’ insightful contributions and thinking, “Do I really belong here?” It seemed like everyone else had it all figured out while I was struggling to keep up.
At the beginning of first semester, group projects were particularly challenging. I found myself doubting my abilities and second-guessing every idea I proposed. The fear of being exposed as “not good enough” was numbing. I constantly compared myself to others, especially when it came to finance and accounting classes, and convinced myself that my achievements were just flukes and that it was only a matter of time before everyone realized I didn’t belong. However, throughout this journey, I discovered several strategies that helped me overcome these feelings and build confidence.
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
Talking About It
One of the most reassuring discoveries was that I wasn’t alone. When I opened up to my peers about my feelings, I found that many of them felt the same way. Sharing our experiences created a support network where we could encourage and uplift each other. We would reassure each other when we would participate in class, talk about our struggles, and be there as a shoulder to cry on.
Celebrating Small Wins
I started to focus on small achievements instead of constantly chasing perfection. Completing a difficult assignment, contributing a valuable point in class discussions, or receiving feedback from a professor – I made it a point to celebrate these moments. Recognizing these small victories helped build my confidence over time. Allowing myself to celebrate these small wins also led to practicing self-compassion. I learned to forgive my mistakes and understand that everyone has their off days. Practicing self-compassion allowed me to bounce back from setbacks and maintain a positive outlook.
Focus on Learning, Not Just Performance
Shifting my mindset from performance to learning. Instead of stressing about grades and comparisons, I concentrated on gaining knowledge and skills. This shift helped reduce the pressure I put on myself and made the learning experience more enjoyable. With this in mind, I was able to set achievable goals that helped manage my expectations. Rather than aiming for perfection, I focused on progress. Breaking tasks into manageable steps made them less overwhelming and more attainable.
My Journey Post-Imposter Syndrome
Overcoming imposter syndrome is an ongoing process. As I wrap up my first year at Ivey, I can look back and see how my confidence has grown through various experiences. One of the biggest game-changers for me? Getting involved in case competitions! They pushed me out of my comfort zone in a positive way and helped me realize my potential. So, if you’re feeling the same way I did, my best advice is to dive into case competitions – you’ll be amazed at how much you’ll grow.
Participating in case competitions has been a rollercoaster of emotions and a key part of my journey at Ivey. When I started with the essay writing competition in September, I was nervous and unsure if I could stand out; however, letting that cloud my judgement would have been to my detriment as me and my teammate ended up winning. Being a finalist at Innovation North a few months later was exhilarating but also intimidating, pushing me to think creatively and strategically. Making it to the finals of this competition and getting the chance to present my teams ideas at Walmart headquarters was a turning point, boosting my confidence and showing me that I could excel. The IDIS (Ivey Digital Innovation Studio) placement that I just completed was a deep dive into complex business scenarios that tested my problem-solving skills. Winning the CIBC portion was the cherry on-top and a successful ending to the year. Every competition, with its unique challenges, helped me confront and overcome my imposter syndrome, proving to myself that I truly belong in this competitive program.
Imposter syndrome doesn’t disappear overnight, but with time and effort, you can build the confidence to thrive in a competitive program. Remember, you earned your place here, and you have every right to be proud of your achievements. Keep pushing forward, and don’t let imposter syndrome hold you back.