Can a Mentor Feel Imposter Syndrome?
In my first two months working full-time at one of Canada’s largest banks, I have been asked to judge student hackathons, interview students for product innovation internships, and mentor early talent working in technology. While I am flattered every time I have been asked to share my insights and experiences with these students, I always ask myself “Why would they choose me?”
Not too long ago I was in their position. Unsure of how to navigate the world of technology and not fully knowing what I wanted to do with my life (and to be honest I’m still not 100% sure), I sought out guidance from any professional in the design or product development space that I could get in contact with. Thankfully, I was fortunate enough to meet some amazing mentors. Having someone to reach out to during times I was questioning myself, to bounce ideas off of, and get me back on track, has been some of the most valuable help in my career journey so far. Knowing someone outside of my group of friends and family is genuinely interested in my success felt like a whole new level of motivation. I want to make my mentors proud, show them what I had learned, and just keep growing as an individual.
Now on the other side, I want all those same opportunities for the students that I mentor. I want each student I have a coffee chat with, give career advice to or interview, to succeed. I have realized how much mentorship is a symbiotic relationship. As a mentee, I’ve had self-doubt, and as a mentor, I’ve had self-doubt. I’m not sure if that feeling will ever fully go away, but being aware of the fact that I am both a person that somebody else may look up to, as well as a person who others want to see succeed, reminds me that I am more capable than I sometimes believe.
To every person experiencing imposter syndrome - welcome to the club! While it’s not always a fun feeling, embrace it, and say yes to opportunities that encourage you to face it head-on. It might be intimidating, but know you are where you are for a reason, and you will succeed at what you are passionate about.