Do you feel like you're not qualified to land a data analyst role? If so, you're not alone.

I'm right there with you. And so are hundreds of other aspiring data analysts.

We're all experiencing something called imposter syndrome.

🤔 What is Imposter Syndrome?

Imposter syndrome is basically when you feel like an imposter--you feel like you don't belong.

You feel like you don't have enough skills and even the skills you do have, you doubt they are enough.

This feeling is VERY common in the data world. Why?

• There is a lot to learn

• There are new inventions & features to learn daily

• Many of us don't have "formal" data educations

• High job competition

It's no wonder everyone feels this way.

So how do stop feeling imposter syndrome?

🔨 Step 1: Build Projects

Projects are your best friend. They provide tangible evidence to recruiters and hiring managers that you can do what your resume claims.

And guess what?

They serve as proof for you too! Imagine you've just started learning SQL. Three months down the line, you'll look back at your project and think, "Wow, look at these queries I wrote!"

It’s like a before and after picture of yourself.

Building projects builds your confidence.

This is why we build 9+ projects inside of The Accelerator.

🙏 Step 2: Ask "What's the Worst that Can Happen?"

Imposter syndrome is really just a feeling of fear--fear that we aren't good enough.

I've found it helpful to ask, "Well, what if we aren't good enough?"

Often, we assume the worst will occur. But really, what’s the worst that could happen?

Asking this can reduce anxiety dramatically & help us see clearly.

Imagine you have a business intelligence engineer job interview and bomb it. Bummer, right? But life doesn’t change all that much: You're still looking for a job, yes, but you’ve gained valuable interview experience.

Most of the time when we feel imposter syndrome, asking this simple question will help remind ourselves that really the worst thing that can happen is we stay exactly where we are.

The best thing that can happen? That's limitless.

This simple question instills confidence into our subconscious.

🛑 Step 3: Accept You'll Never Learn It All

In the data field, there's always something new to master. With over 2000 different data tools, languages, and programs, it is impossible to learn them all.

Even if you specialize in one tool, there's still so much to learn inside that tool, and more is being developed every day.

This is reality. It's okay.

Remember: No one knows it all.

Instead, focus on continuous learning throughout your entire career and celebrate your progress, no matter how small

🦸‍♀️ Step 4: Fake It Till You Make It

If you don't feel 100% confident yet, fake your confidence.

Research shows that even pretending to be confident leads to increases in results.

One effective way to do this is to create an alter ego, a concept known as the Batman effect. When face your next challenge, think about how your alter ego--a superhero or someone you admire--would handle it. Ask yourself, "What would they do?"

Then try to solve the challenge like your alter ego instead of yourself.

You'd be amazed how this can get you out of your own head & through your next challenge.

🧘‍♀️ Bonus Step: Affirmations

If you're feeling imposter syndrome, you're feeling it in your subconscious too, whether you realize it or not.

Affirmations are a powerful tool to combat self-doubt at the subconscious level.

I made this guided affirmation meditation that you might find useful.

I have the students in The Accelerator listen to this every week.

Imposter syndrome is real, but you’re not alone, and there are ways to overcome it.

You’re doing great. If you ever need a hand, I'm here to help.