It's common in software engineering as well. I worked with a staff engineer who ran a series of lunch workshops on engineering culture. Imposter syndrome was a major topic.
For engineers I think it comes from being so aware of all the stuff you do not possibly have time to learn. The more you know, the more you know you don't know.
For someone who chanced into engineering like me, with no academic background, imposter syndrom is always lurking. It helps to remember that it is so common. We're all otters*, always at odds with the Catholic question of "what constitutes a fish?"
I was just talking with my dad this week about engineering (he was in aerospace). The sheer rigour of the discipline -- 125 students freshman year because 25 students by sophomore year -- must create instant imposter syndrome for them. How did I achieve lift off with the same fuel as all of the others?
IS is an important indicator, if you can separate yourself from it a bit—that might mean that you are continuing to try new things that you aren’t a “pro” at yet!
It's common in software engineering as well. I worked with a staff engineer who ran a series of lunch workshops on engineering culture. Imposter syndrome was a major topic.
For engineers I think it comes from being so aware of all the stuff you do not possibly have time to learn. The more you know, the more you know you don't know.
For someone who chanced into engineering like me, with no academic background, imposter syndrom is always lurking. It helps to remember that it is so common. We're all otters*, always at odds with the Catholic question of "what constitutes a fish?"
*
Falstaff: What beast? Why an Otter.
Prince: An otter sir John, why an otter?
Falstaff: Why? Shees neither fish nor flesh
I was just talking with my dad this week about engineering (he was in aerospace). The sheer rigour of the discipline -- 125 students freshman year because 25 students by sophomore year -- must create instant imposter syndrome for them. How did I achieve lift off with the same fuel as all of the others?
IS is an important indicator, if you can separate yourself from it a bit—that might mean that you are continuing to try new things that you aren’t a “pro” at yet!
I think that's an important observation. You're never a pro until you run out of ideas or get bored with the profession!