Female Electrical Engineering student shares strategies to overcome Impostor Syndrome in a male-dominated industry

#engagementstory

By MAX LEISTEN

Entering a career in engineering can be both challenging, especially for women entering a traditionally male-dominated field. By building confidence in their abilities, seeking mentorship, and leveraging the right resources, students can overcome impostor syndrome and thrive in any environment.

Engaging with supportive networks and communities can help students stay resilient against biases, refine their career strategies, and reinforce a sense of belonging within the industry. With determination and the right support, students can confidently pursue their goals and make a lasting impact.

This is the journey of today’s story, where an Electrical Engineering student shares her experience with impostor syndrome.

Keep it simple!

Max

The "ask"

Hello! I am a rising senior Electrical Engineering student. At Pitt, I have participated in club swim, co-op, Pink Panther mentors, and will be studying abroad in the upcoming fall semester.

How do you recommend approaching feelings of impostor syndrome as a woman in engineering? I feel confident in my abilities as an engineer, but find it difficult to deal with comments from people who do not feel that women have a place in engineering roles.

I have particularly witnessed this in a manufacturing environment throughout my co-ops. As I begin the search for a full time job, I want to ensure I maintain confidence in my skills and knowledge and ensure that negative comments do not get to me.

Thank you in advance for your help, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

The "give"

Hello there. Imposter syndrome is real and difficult. Remember you’ve studied and have the skills. As long as you try your best, keep an interest to learn, and ask advice from experienced engineers and operators you’ll increase your knowledge base and in time confidence. What we learn in school is the foundation for everything else, this career is lifetime learning. You’ve earned place.

When you hear a comment about where women belong you can try and ignore it, combat it with humor or something else. When one man commented on me making the coffee rather than him (who finished the last cup), I simply joked that it would be an expensive cup of coffee. One thing to consider is trying an engineering design firm. This tends to be a more professional environment and one where I have not personally come across the attitude of women not belonging in engineering.

If your first job ends up being a negative environment, apply to others and find ways to let it go. They always say the best time to find a job is when you have a job.

Your best defense is to do your job well.

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