The Career Coaching Unit 

Imposter syndrome is a common experience among professionals in the tech industry, regardless of experience level. It’s a condition where capable individuals question their abilities, feeling like frauds despite their skills and achievements. This phenomenon is particularly widespread in fast-paced, innovation-driven, and high-skill fields like tech, where fierce competition (and the rapid evolution of tools) is a daily reality. Professionals often face intense pressure to meet tight deadlines while maintaining top quality and staying skilled up in the latest tools, making the challenge even greater.

According to a recent survey conducted by Blind, a staggering 58% of tech workers report feeling like imposters. This includes employees from tech giants such as Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Meta, and many others. Without proper coping strategies, imposter syndrome can significantly impact those new to their careers or working in highly competitive environments.

Practical strategies for overcoming imposter syndrome

To conquer imposter syndrome and foster self-assurance, it’s crucial to implement concrete strategies that reshape your thinking.

It’s critical to distinguish between feelings of inadequacy and actual competence. Confront self-doubt by mentally rehearsing successful situations, much like athletes prepare for competition. Acknowledge, celebrate, and reward yourself for your accomplishments—big or small—to reduce reliance on external validations.

Also, be sure to embrace the “keep doing it until you ace it” mindset. Take action even when you don’t feel fully confident. You’ll likely never feel completely ready to step out of your comfort zone, but once you do, you start modifying your behavior, which fosters development and allows authentic confidence to develop over time.

How career coaches help reclaim confidence

Tackling imposter syndrome in tech careers requires a comprehensive strategy, starting with pinpointing the underlying issues—whether it’s a genuine skills gap or simply a lack of confidence. Once the source is clear, it’s crucial to challenge negative thoughts and replace them with more accurate, empowering beliefs. Developing affirmations like “I am capable and confident” can help reinforce self-worth daily.

Setting realistic, meaningful goals and breaking them down into smaller, achievable steps builds momentum and self-assurance over time. Documenting and celebrating successes—no matter how small—offers tangible proof of progress and growth. Cultivating a growth mindset shifts focus from perfection to progress, while practicing self-compassion and gratitude helps reduce self-criticism. Finally, seeking support from mentors, peers, or mental health professionals provides valuable perspective and encouragement, making the journey to confidence more manageable and sustainable.

GA’s proof that you’re not alone

They say that to connect with people, you should share your story. People relate and engage with others’ hurdles as much as their achievements and today our story as a global leader in tech training has been told through our student stories. Throughout the journey of career coaches at GA, we’ve witnessed countless success stories, promotion momentum, and remarkable career transitions and shifts. All were centered around utilizing a recently grasped technical skill within (and not limited to) data analytics, software engineering, and UX design.

Below are actual quotes from our alumni that highlight the impact our courses have on individuals from all walks of life:

“Although I had strong technical skills in Excel and Power BI, I needed guidance on how to effectively present my experience, improve my job search strategy, and navigate interviews with more confidence. With the support of a career coach, I refined my resume, showcased my data skills more clearly by adding my projects and the data analytics course, and aligned my profile with what employers were really looking for. That support helped me land a role that matches both my capabilities and career goals. I’m incredibly grateful for the clarity and momentum the coaching gave me during a crucial time.”

— Zainab Alshoala, Part-time Data Analytics Alum 

Senior Credit & Financial Analyst, Barilla 

“I spent nine years in the same workplace, unsure of what I wanted or how to grow. I constantly felt like I was wasting my time, energy, and potential. That changed when I joined a UX design course—especially because of the weekly career coaching sessions. The coach provided practical, market-relevant advice that truly made a difference. She helped us revamp our CVs, highlight our strengths, and build a clearer, more strategic career path.”

— Hedaya Helal, Full-time UX Design Alum

Secretary, Mohammed Fakhroo & Bros

“Career coaching helped me identify my strengths and how to highlight them in interviews. It also taught me how to talk about myself confidently and apply for jobs effectively. This support enabled me to attend more than three interviews during my time at GA and handle them professionally, which led to receiving two job offers during the interview period.”

— Sara Aloraibi, Full-time Data Analytics Alum

IT Assistant & Data Analyst, GIG Bahrain-BKIC

“I was part of the Software Engineering Bootcamp at General Assembly. One of the most transformative parts of the experience was the career coaching. It wasn’t just about preparing for interviews, it was about learning how to present myself with confidence, build meaningful connections, and understand the true value I bring to the job market. I also learned how to effectively network, tell my story, and position myself in a competitive industry. From mock interviews to CV reviews and personal branding support, the guidance I received played a big role in helping me land my first role as a Software Engineer at MicroCenter, outsourced to the Information & eGovernment Authority (IGA).”

— Ahmed Abdulla, Full-time Software Engineer Alum

Software Engineer, MicroCenter

You belong here. Your tech journey starts now.

Imposter syndrome may be common in tech, but it doesn’t have to define your journey. It’s a feeling, not a fact. The tech industry thrives on innovation and diverse perspectives, and your unique skills and experiences are valuable assets. Embrace the challenges as opportunities for growth, knowing that every expert was once a beginner.

At the General Assembly, we don’t just teach technical skills—we empower you to recognize and amplify your inherent potential. Through our hands-on tech training programs in software engineering, UX design, data science, data analytics, and more, coupled with personalized career coaching and a supportive community, we provide the tools and confidence you need to overcome self-doubt.

We believe in your ability to innovate, to lead, and to make a significant impact. Let us help you transform self-doubt into self-assurance, guiding you every step of the way. Your tech journey is waiting, and we’re here to ensure you embark on it with unwavering confidence.

Ready to claim your place in the tech world? Explore our tech training programs today and discover how you truly belong here. Register here.