Build Self Confidence Overcome Imposter Syndrome
Don’t let the imposter syndrome hold you back…..
Have you heard of the Imposter Syndrome? I recently came across this syndrome this weekend while researching support for a journal article on the association of financial literacy and self-employment selection. My research results show that while women were less likely to be self-employed in general, those that select self-employment have a much higher level of financial literacy than their male counter parts and women that are traditionally employed. Searching for some rationale for these results I came across a series of articles written by a New York Times Journalist, Jessica Bennet
Imposter Syndrome was introduced in 1978 by two female psychologists describing a feeling that many women share that “you’re not good enough, that you don’t belong, that you don’t deserve the job, the promotion, the book deal, the seat at the table (Bennett, 2020). Generally, women judge their performance as worse than actual while men judge their performance as better. Often when women receive a promotion or recognition they associate it with good luck or timing rather than merit (Mullangi & Jagsi, 2017). While stretch jobs are more exciting for men, women are uncomfortable with stretch jobs, they are considered riskier and create anxiety, fear of failure. Women are less likely to apply for a job if they are not absolutely certain they can do it ( Boulton & Coldron, 1998).
Don’t let Imposter Syndrome hold you back. If you are concerned that you are not qualified to apply for an MBA think again. UNC Kenan-Flagler has a small class size, seeks women applicants and hand picks each student for the class. This allows admission officers to get to know you and understand all of your qualifications which means a less than perfect GPA or GMAT score may be overlooked in lieu of another important accomplishment. If you are concerned you don’t have what it takes to be a female leader, that is a great reason to get an MBA! Gaining the skills will increase your confidence. Learn more about MBA. Kenan- Flagler provides a great support network for all students and women. The Carolina Women in Business student organization embraces every female student in the program. Learn more about CWIB. And you have a network of over 14,000 women alumnae that have gone before you. Network with alumnae.