(posted on behalf of @Asif Kanan)
I still remember the day I received my acceptance letter to the Ph.D. program at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. The excitement was overwhelming. I felt proud, validated, and ready to embark on the journey of a lifetime. I knew a Ph.D. would be challenging, but I also trusted my abilities and was confident that I could handle whatever came my way.
But as the months passed, something unexpected happened. Doubt started to creep in. The journey that began with such confidence slowly transformed into a cycle of second-guessing myself. I started to wonder if the admissions committee had made a mistake. Maybe I wasn’t as smart or as capable as my peers. Maybe I didn’t belong in such a prestigious program. What if everyone found out I was a fraud?
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Imposter syndrome—the persistent feeling that you’re not as competent as others perceive you to be—is incredibly common among Ph.D. students. In fact, a lot of people in academia have experienced it at some point. For me, these feelings intensified during stressful periods: preparing for comprehensive exams, writing my proposal, or navigating the job market. Some days, I felt on top of the world; other days, I was convinced I was just pretending. It’s a paradox that so many of us live with—feeling both accomplished and inadequate, often at the same time.
As the #AOM2025 approaches, I know many of us might experience these feelings again—especially in social settings, during presentations, or at doctoral consortiums. It’s important to recognize that these doubts are a natural response to the intellectually demanding environment of a Ph.D. program. However, it’s equally important not to let imposter syndrome hold you back from making the most of your journey.
Three Things to Remember When Imposter Syndrome Strikes
1. You Are Not Alone
Imposter syndrome is not a personal flaw; it’s a common experience among high-achieving individuals, especially in academia. The very nature of doctoral work—constantly pushing the boundaries of knowledge, being surrounded by brilliant minds, and receiving critical feedback—can make anyone question their abilities. It’s comforting to know that even the most accomplished scholars have felt this way. The journey from feeling knowledgeable to realizing how much you don’t know is a sign of growth, not inadequacy. Remember, you are part of a community that understands these struggles.
2. Challenge Your Self-Doubt
When you start to feel like a fraud, take a step back and review your journey. Remind yourself of your past accomplishments, both academic and personal. You didn’t get here by accident—your admission committee saw your potential and chose you for a reason. Keep a “success journal” where you record achievements, positive feedback, and moments of pride. When self-doubt arises, revisit these entries to ground yourself in reality. Also, don’t hesitate to seek feedback from mentors and peers. Often, others see strengths in us that we overlook.
3. Embrace Vulnerability and Growth
You don’t have to have all the answers. In fact, no one expects you to. The experts you admire were once in your shoes, facing similar doubts and uncertainties. Use this time to learn, ask questions, and seek guidance. By embracing vulnerability, you open yourself to growth and connection. Don’t be afraid to share your feelings with trusted peers or mentors—chances are, they’ve felt the same way.
Turning Imposter Syndrome Into a Strength
It may sound counterintuitive, but a certain degree of imposter syndrome can actually be beneficial. It keeps us humble, encourages us to keep learning, and motivates us to improve. The key is not to let it paralyze you, but to harness it as a catalyst for growth. Let the fear of being “found out” inspire you to work harder, prepare more thoroughly, and remain open to new ideas. Use it as a reminder that you are a work in progress, and that’s perfectly okay.
I hope you found the piece useful. Please share your thoughts and experiences about dealing with your imposter syndrome so that we can learn from each other.
Please also feel free to connect with me at kasif@butler.edu or on LinkedIn.