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Have you ever faced that nagging feeling that you don’t deserve that new job you’ve been offered? Or that maybe you’re not worthy of a seat at the table, a prestigious award, or praise for your talents? Whatever the circumstance, you are facing a classic case of imposter syndrome.

More often than not, imposter syndrome rears its ugly head while we’re grinding at work. Despite having the essential qualifications, awards, and experience for your role, the persistent feeling of being undeserving or unworthy of opportunities can present itself in the most crucial moments of a person’s career. And we as Latinas are the ones that it affects the most: according to the National Institutes of Health, symptoms of imposter syndrome affect women and minority groups disproportionately.

While it’s easy to feel alone as you spiral into complicated feelings of chronic self-doubt, you are not alone in the experience. Some of the most iconic people have admitted to facing imposter syndrome. From Michelle Obama to Maya Angelou, Women of Color are no stranger to the manifestation of constant mental chatter. The good news is that there are ways to overcome it, amiga, and we’ve gathered these tips with our friends at T. Rowe Price to help.

Lead with courage.

Let’s say, you’ve just been invited to your first business meeting at your new job, where you will be taking on new tasks and broadening your skills at work. If you’re having mixed feelings of both excitement and nervousness – don’t worry. We’ve been there! Prepare before the meeting, write down any ideas or suggestions you want to mention, and consider what you want to learn as you move forward. When it comes to that moment for you to shine, compartmentalize the self-doubt bubbling up and give way to courage. Remember, you were invited to the meeting for a reason, and you belong at the table. Find your voice and use it.

Learn your boss’ communication style.

Before the first day, write down questions you may have for your manager. Find out their preferred method of communication, how the roles have interacted in the past, which strategies work best for you both and find a medium. 

Lean on your collaborators and colleagues. 

T. Rowe Price recommends to begin networking as soon as you step into your workplace. During the first week at your new position, begin nurturing your professional relationships by getting in touch with a veteran employee on your team who can show you the ropes. Navigating a new role can become overwhelming with so many new tasks, people to meet, and systems to learn and adapt to. But don’t let that overwhelm you. Instead, take action by reaching out for support, take advantage of virtual social events, and don’t hesitate to schedule 1:1 chats with a colleague or employer whether it’s in person or virtually. Don’t be afraid to ask questions while finding your footing those first few months.

Leaning on your colleagues from the get-go creates an environment you can trust. When you trust your collaborators and feel prepared, you’re less likely to feel you need to prove anything. You are enough, amiga.

Talk it out with someone you trust.

If you feel overwhelmed after your first day, find a trusted friend, mentor, or colleague to unpack the thoughts and feelings that you’ve been tightly clinging to. It can be challenging as a woman of color or First-Generation Latina to reach a dream job or career opportunity, so it’s okay to express how you’re feeling. Remember, you are not the only one that has faced imposter syndrome, and sometimes hearing a similar experience from someone else serves as an effective way to calm the voice of your inner critic and inner saboteur.

Remind yourself of your accomplishments.

Before starting your new job, write down your fears, reasons for excitement or gratitude, what you hope to accomplish, and your aspirations for the future. After your first 90-days, reflect on what you wrote. Do you still feel the same way? Do you feel happy, seen, and heard at your new job? What would you change? Then, act on it. 

When those moments of self-doubt resurface, jot down five to ten examples of your successes and accomplishments. If you’d like, you can even take it a step up and create a portfolio of all the amazing work you’ve done to remind yourself you are qualified for whatever it is you seek. Take this moment to celebrate, pull yourself out of the imposter syndrome spiral and own the role you’ve played in your accomplishments. Save the list or portfolio and revisit it from time to time, and feel free to update it throughout your professional career.

Calm your nervous system.

Starting a new job can be nerve-racking. Nausea, jitteriness, inability to sleep, and fear are common symptoms of anxiety that can consume us while getting ready for work. Make sure to start your day with a solid foundation. Organize enough time for yourself in the morning to relax. Practicing meditation helps combat stress and improves your attention span, and listening to gentle music improves emotional and mental health. Try not to miss out on breakfast, and prepare nourishing meal plans ahead. Find ways to center yourself and tap into your creativity. Truly, the opportunities for self-regulation are endless, and will ultimately fight off the critical voice trying to sneak in.

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Our partner, T.Rowe Price, is a global company that prioritizes a healthy work environment rooted in a community feel. They understand how difficult it can be to navigate life as a new hire, so they share these main tips with new hires to start strong and keep imposter syndrome at bay.

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If you’ve reclaimed your confidence with these steps and are ready to take the next step in your career at a company that helps its employees grow and fight imposter syndrome, T. Rowe Price is committed to your professional growth. We invite you to apply to discover where your talents can thrive in their team of forward-thinkers. 

Here’s the truth: you are enough. But making mistakes is part of the job. Hell, it’s part of life. The most important thing is not letting the mistake define you. Hold yourself accountable, learn where you have room for growth and improvement, and move forward amiga! 

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If you are interested in taking the next step in your career, check out the career opportunities at T.Rowe Price – a global company with a community feel.

About the Author

Angelique Marie Hechavarria was born and raised in Miami, Florida, in a Cuban-Colombian household. While traveling the world, she took her experiences to Medium, where she was recognized as a Top Writer in Travel and Culture. While taking on various freelance writing opportunities, she hopes to use her passion for stories and her love for her heritage to write about different topics that pertain to Latin American culture and more.