Imagine landing your dream job, only to feel like you don’t belong there.
Many journalists might experience feelings of “imposter syndrome” at some point in their careers. But for women journalists and journalists of color, imposter syndrome can be more pronounced – and pervasive, shaped by systemic sexism, racism and microaggressions in the workplace.
“Imposter syndrome is feeling like you are not supposed to be where you are. It is this overwhelming feeling of anxiety of ‘I don't deserve this,’” said Sara Avery, a production associate at ABC News Live.
Studies show that imposter syndrome is especially prevalent among people of color due to biases, pressures, and lack of representation and support in their workplaces. The unwelcoming environment these conditions create, and the feelings of not belonging they lead to, are too often overlooked. In turn, people of color may internalize their feelings as a personal fault.
“For journalists of color, there's the ‘twice as good’ thing. We don't feel like we're allowed to fail,” said P. Kim Bui, a John S. Knight Journalism Fellow at Stanford, and former senior director of product and audience innovation at the Arizona Republic. “Couple 'I can't fail’ with ‘I don't know how I got here. It's a mistake,' [and] it becomes a really bad spiral.”
The impact of imposter syndrome on people from marginalized communities remains under-discussed today. Here’s what journalists of color should know about imposter syndrome, how it manifests, and tips to confront it:
Pressures of a high-stakes environment
Imposter syndrome manifests in people in various forms, including depression and anxiety. Studies suggest that up to 82% of people have experienced such feelings at some point, and that symptoms are especially high among ethnic minority groups.
Avery experienced severe imposter syndrome when she went to work at a national news network. “The first year post [graduation] was really anxiety-inducing for me,” she recalled. Although she had considerable experience as an editor-in-chief for her college paper and executive producer for her school’s newscast, Avery found herself doubting herself in this first job.
“Am I qualified enough to be a part of a national news network as a 22-year-old who just graduated college?” she wondered. The pressure she placed on herself to perform perfectly was intense.
While any early-career journalist faces a learning curve, imposter syndrome among young journalists can significantly hinder professional growth, causing stress and lowering confidence.
Representation and support
People of color are significantly underrepresented in U.S. newsrooms. According to a Pew Research study, 8% of journalists are Hispanic, 6% are Black and 3% are Asian. This low representation can leave journalists who experience imposter syndrome feeling isolated.
A lack of support also intensifies these feelings. Bui recalled how she faced subtle slights in the workplace that contributed to her imposter syndrome. For instance, when she expressed interest in taking on more responsibility,for instance, she was met with resistance.
“When I wanted to go into leadership, I asked my male boss if he could help me. And his answer was, ‘You can't have my job,’” said Bui. These slights made her feel insignificant. “It was just really tough to be not just a woman, but a woman of color, and wanting to go into leadership.”
Bui often felt excluded as a woman of color, and even altered her appearance as a result of a co-worker’s belittling comments. “Maybe I just don't look the part,” she remembered thinking. “I started changing how I dress and how I look, which I really resent having to do now but felt necessary at the time.”
What was most challenging was the lack of mentorship and support, she said. “There's no one to say, ‘You're doing a good job,'” said Bui, adding that cultural pressures also played a role. “The constant question was, ‘When will you ever be enough?’ It’s a tough thing to undo.”
Although Bui still experiences imposter syndrome, she has learned to manage it. “You get better at telling yourself a different story than what that part of you says, and you get better at interrogating why you think certain things,” she said.
Enhancing workplace culture
For news organizations interested in effectively addressing feelings of imposter syndrome in the workplace, a cultural shift is needed. Companies should focus on systemic changes, for instance by addressing representation, biases, and pay disparities.
“One thing I think is changing, and is a lot better, is training of any kind,” Bui acknowledged, noting that DEI training and initiatives in the newsroom have become more common. “Making those more accessible to people of color is important.”
It’s not enough, Bui continued, for newsrooms to simply hire more people of color. They need to be in leadership positions. “The thing that will really help is having people to look up to.” Bui also advocates for more, and better, mentorship and training programs for journalists.
Three years ago, Bui co-founded Sincerely, Leaders of Color, an article series that offers journalists of color guidance to navigate the journalism industry while helping allies understand how to support their colleagues effectively. The series, which is currently on a hiatus, discusses DEI in the newsroom, addresses issues with solutions, and features guest writers and editors, ensuring the inclusion of a variety of perspectives and voices.
It joins initiatives like The BBC’s 50:50 Project, which showcases more women and diversity in journalism, as avenues to address issues of representation in media.
"Companies, in general, just have to listen [and take concrete action],” Avery urged. “Not being afraid to say, ‘Hey, we were wrong. We messed up in this situation.’”
Addressing imposter syndrome
Here are some tips for journalists to address feelings of imposter syndrome they may be experiencing.
Acknowledge your feelings
Overcoming imposter syndrome requires a certain level of self-awareness about why you feel the way you do and what might be causing the feelings. “Interrogate why you believe certain things,” advised Bui.
Develop a supportive network
Build a network of people who can offer support when you experience imposter syndrome. “The biggest thing that has helped me get over this was just having people I can talk to and vent to,” Avery said.
Rewire your thoughts to focus on your achievements
When Avery experienced imposter syndrome in the newsroom, she made a point to reaffirm her abilities. “You have to remind yourself, ‘I know how to do these things. I need to take a deep breath, and it's okay to ask for help.’”
Ask for help!
Asking for help, stressed Avery, is a necessary part of growth. It’s not a sign of incompetence, as some might fear.
“A lot of times when you get into certain spaces, and you feel like people expect you to know certain things, there's a fear and a hesitancy to say, ‘hey, I need help doing this’ because you want to prove that you are competent,” Avery said.
Be open to feedback
Realize that not all criticism is negative, and constructive criticism is part of becoming a better journalist. "People rise or fall to the expectations that you have with them. Having critiques and being open to learning – you have to have that,” Avery said.
Seek professional help
If imposter syndrome ever significantly impacts your mental health, seeking professional support can help.
“I advise everybody to get a therapist, not just for imposter syndrome but the everyday things,” said Avery. “ It will eat you alive if you do not talk about what is bothering you.”
Photo by Markus Spiske via Pexels.
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