Dealing with Imposter Syndrome: What is it, how do I manage it, and what can I do to build confidence in my work?

The Berlin University Alliance (BUA) is an alliance of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Technische Universität Berlin and Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin. Together, they are pursuing the goal of creating and shaping an integrated research space in Berlin. This alliance aims to establish Berlin as a leading international science location. All workshops and events offered by the Graduate Studies Support Program are funded by the BUA and therefore free of charge.   

 

Participation

Doctoral researchers (all disciplines) of the Berlin University Alliance in their first year.

Before booking a workshop, please make sure that you can attend for the entire duration. Please check our terms and conditions.   

 

Objectives

Imposter syndrome – that feeling of self-doubt, secretly worried that you’re not measuring up and dreading that you’re just a talk away from someone finding out that you’re not really – is a common phenomenon among high achievers, academics, and (early career) researchers, and disproportionally affects groups less represented in academia. Developing an awareness of imposter syndrome and acquiring strategies to deal with the challenges that it brings will build confidence, reduce stress, open up space for new collaborations and connections, and enable researchers to engage more fully in doing great science.  
In this interactive input, we’ll learn what imposter syndrome is (and isn’t), where it might come from, and how it can affect our work and lives. We’ll explore methods to help manage it, concrete steps that you can take to gain confidence in your work, and learn how to support yourself and your colleagues and peers in developing an approach to work and research that supports and fosters setting realistic expectations, recognizing achievements, and celebrating successes. You’ll have the opportunity to share and discuss your experiences with others and have space to engage and explore new techniques.

 

Content

• What is imposter syndrome, and where does it come from? Who experiences imposter syndrome? 
• What isn’t imposter syndrome? How can identifying barriers to belonging in academia reduce my sense of feeling like an imposter?
• What are the effects of imposter syndrome? What are the benefits of reducing imposter syndrome, both for me and for science?

 

 

Further Information

Postdocs are welcome to participate if spots are available.

 

For workshops held online, participation is allowed under the following conditions: a working camera that is turned on and a microphone to allow active participation in discussions and group work. Headphones must also be used to protect other participants from office eavesdroppers. In this context, we would also like to refer to the rules for digital courses at Freie Universität Berlin (Code of Conduct).