6 answers
Jared
Student
Palm Coast, Florida
1
Question
Asked
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How do I gain confidence in my skills and abilities in the field that I'm in?
I don't know how qualified my skills make me to do the things I want to do. I don't have confidence that I am a better fit than anyone else with a similar skill set.
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6 answers
Carrie Morgan
2
Answers
Updated
Carrie’s Answer
Hi Jared and anyone else who might be reading this!
We can be our own biggest critic at times. Here are two things that I've found helpful when I start to question my skills, abilities, and confidence.
1. I look at someone in the field that I'm interested in (it could be someone I know already, it could be someone I may never meet), and I try to look at all angles of who they are as a professional. Specifically, I try to look beyond the "obvious" skills that they have. For example, I just started a new role in People Analytics, which is a field I haven't worked in before. If I was to just look at the advanced analytics skills of some of my colleagues, I would find myself lacking confidence because I definitely don't know how to use Python or Machine Learning! However, when I look deeper, some of the other skills they have that make them great at what they do include asking thoughtful questions, organizing/planning for conversations in a thoughtful way, doing research about trends in the field, etc. For me, those are more like the skills I DO have. I find it can help grow my confidence when I look for the skills I do have (even if they aren't the obvious ones) and realize maybe the gap isn't as big as I thought it was. Or, even if it is big, I at least have a solid foundation to start from.
2. I ask a friend to hype me up! Oftentimes those closest to us can see parts of us that we can't, including some of our best qualities and skills. If you have a trusted peer or colleague, you can play this role for one another. You could even actively seek out someone who has a skill you'd like to build, and who knows, maybe they want to learn something from you too! Those types of working relationships can prove incredibly valuable over the years.
I recommend focusing on what is in your immediate control and creating small behavior changes that over time, can accrue to something bigger. Progress takes time. You got this!
We can be our own biggest critic at times. Here are two things that I've found helpful when I start to question my skills, abilities, and confidence.
1. I look at someone in the field that I'm interested in (it could be someone I know already, it could be someone I may never meet), and I try to look at all angles of who they are as a professional. Specifically, I try to look beyond the "obvious" skills that they have. For example, I just started a new role in People Analytics, which is a field I haven't worked in before. If I was to just look at the advanced analytics skills of some of my colleagues, I would find myself lacking confidence because I definitely don't know how to use Python or Machine Learning! However, when I look deeper, some of the other skills they have that make them great at what they do include asking thoughtful questions, organizing/planning for conversations in a thoughtful way, doing research about trends in the field, etc. For me, those are more like the skills I DO have. I find it can help grow my confidence when I look for the skills I do have (even if they aren't the obvious ones) and realize maybe the gap isn't as big as I thought it was. Or, even if it is big, I at least have a solid foundation to start from.
2. I ask a friend to hype me up! Oftentimes those closest to us can see parts of us that we can't, including some of our best qualities and skills. If you have a trusted peer or colleague, you can play this role for one another. You could even actively seek out someone who has a skill you'd like to build, and who knows, maybe they want to learn something from you too! Those types of working relationships can prove incredibly valuable over the years.
I recommend focusing on what is in your immediate control and creating small behavior changes that over time, can accrue to something bigger. Progress takes time. You got this!
Irina Pavel
Commercial Tech and Innovation Manager
1
Answer
Orlando, Florida
Updated
Irina’s Answer
If you have a similar skill set this is what I think can make a difference and help you grow and gain confidence:
- Even if people have the same skills, they have a different perspective or approach. Speak out and share your unique experiences and insights.
- Be open to feedback: an outside perspective can confirm strengths you might not see in yourself—or suggest areas for improvement you haven’t considered yet
- Learn and grow your knowledge (take additional classes for your skills, bootcamps, certifications)
- Try new things. We are constantly learning and growing through of our life and that shapes us and helps defining us as a person and as a professional.
- Even if people have the same skills, they have a different perspective or approach. Speak out and share your unique experiences and insights.
- Be open to feedback: an outside perspective can confirm strengths you might not see in yourself—or suggest areas for improvement you haven’t considered yet
- Learn and grow your knowledge (take additional classes for your skills, bootcamps, certifications)
- Try new things. We are constantly learning and growing through of our life and that shapes us and helps defining us as a person and as a professional.
Ranger Norton
Sound Designer for Video Games
3
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Ranger’s Answer
Hey Jared!
Imposter syndrome is the enemy of all working professionals, so you are not alone by a long shot. Even though I've made it to my dream profession, I still have days where I wonder whether I'm really qualified for it. Here are two things that help me deal with those feelings whenever they crop up:
1. I remind myself that I'm doing the thing already. Doesn't matter whether my skills are at the same level as someone else in my field; I'm here, I made it. I'm doing what I set out to do, even if I'm not the best at it.
2. I remember that part of work is continually growing and becoming more skilled. No one enters the workplace being the best at what they do, so you shouldn't hold yourself to the same standard! If you keep at whatever it is that you do, you'll become more qualified over time. I'm a game sound designer, and I also play a TON of video games. So I'm constantly surrounded by other people's work, much of which I consider better than my own. But rather than be sad that I'm not at the level some of my peers are at, I use it as inspiration & learning material to get better. If you are going to compare yourself to others, use it to set goals rather than bring yourself down. It's not all about the skills; sometimes the person who's constantly trying to improve their craft gets the job over someone who might be qualified in the moment but isn't motivated to learn.
Bonus thing: knowing a lot of people are in the same "am I really qualified" boat as you helps sometimes! Especially when you hear from someone who's been at it for way longer.
Don't worry about being qualified now, especially as a student. Everyone starts from somewhere, and everyone continues to learn. I play to my strengths, and when I find something too challenging, I ask others to help fill the gaps in my skills, and that's fine. It's why people work together.
Imposter syndrome is the enemy of all working professionals, so you are not alone by a long shot. Even though I've made it to my dream profession, I still have days where I wonder whether I'm really qualified for it. Here are two things that help me deal with those feelings whenever they crop up:
1. I remind myself that I'm doing the thing already. Doesn't matter whether my skills are at the same level as someone else in my field; I'm here, I made it. I'm doing what I set out to do, even if I'm not the best at it.
2. I remember that part of work is continually growing and becoming more skilled. No one enters the workplace being the best at what they do, so you shouldn't hold yourself to the same standard! If you keep at whatever it is that you do, you'll become more qualified over time. I'm a game sound designer, and I also play a TON of video games. So I'm constantly surrounded by other people's work, much of which I consider better than my own. But rather than be sad that I'm not at the level some of my peers are at, I use it as inspiration & learning material to get better. If you are going to compare yourself to others, use it to set goals rather than bring yourself down. It's not all about the skills; sometimes the person who's constantly trying to improve their craft gets the job over someone who might be qualified in the moment but isn't motivated to learn.
Bonus thing: knowing a lot of people are in the same "am I really qualified" boat as you helps sometimes! Especially when you hear from someone who's been at it for way longer.
Don't worry about being qualified now, especially as a student. Everyone starts from somewhere, and everyone continues to learn. I play to my strengths, and when I find something too challenging, I ask others to help fill the gaps in my skills, and that's fine. It's why people work together.
Denesha Smith, MEL
Yeoman First Class Petty Officer and Freelance Writer
11
Answers
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Updated
Denesha’s Answer
Hi Jared,
The first thing to do is believe in yourself. I know it's easier said than done, but you must. To do this, you need to speak positively to yourself and watch what you tell yourself. Because what you tell yourself is what you are. So, if you're telling yourself multiple times that you aren't good enough, smart enough, or capable enough, then you're not, and you will never be.
Picture the kind of person you want to be. That is who you are already. You have to do the work. Work hard. Learn every day. Do not let failure keep you down. Acquire skills. Get a mentor. Tell yourself positive affirmations.
I believe in you and I know you'll do great things. You have to believe that too.
The first thing to do is believe in yourself. I know it's easier said than done, but you must. To do this, you need to speak positively to yourself and watch what you tell yourself. Because what you tell yourself is what you are. So, if you're telling yourself multiple times that you aren't good enough, smart enough, or capable enough, then you're not, and you will never be.
Picture the kind of person you want to be. That is who you are already. You have to do the work. Work hard. Learn every day. Do not let failure keep you down. Acquire skills. Get a mentor. Tell yourself positive affirmations.
I believe in you and I know you'll do great things. You have to believe that too.
Nikita Dang
Product Management
2
Answers
Hoboken, New Jersey
Updated
Nikita’s Answer
That's a very honest and real place to be — and honestly, way more common than most people admit. Let’s unpack this a little, because there are practical ways to build confidence and perspective.
1. Confidence ≠ Competence (But They Do Connect)
You might already have the skills, but confidence often lags behind ability — especially in high-achieving or introspective people. It's possible that you're qualified already, but you're looking for some kind of external validation or certainty, which rarely comes in the way we hope.
2. Try This Reframe: Evidence-Based Confidence
Confidence shouldn't be about convincing yourself you're the best — it's about collecting evidence that you can do the thing you're trying to do. Some ways to gather that evidence:
- List out specific wins — small or big. Projects completed, feedback from clients or peers, tough challenges you’ve solved.
- Write a “skills audit” — what are your actual capabilities? Even better: match them against job descriptions or industry benchmarks to see where you stand.
- Ask trusted people — mentors, peers, even former managers — what they think your top 3 strengths are. You’ll get a reality check, and likely some confidence boosts too.
3. The “Better Fit” Trap
Thinking "I'm not more qualified than someone else" is a trap. The truth is:
- You don’t have to be the best — just a good fit for the right thing.
- Different roles or companies value different combinations: skills, mindset, style, approach, even personality. So someone else with similar skills isn't a threat — they might be a better fit somewhere else, but not everywhere else.
4. Action Creates Clarity
You don’t have to wait until you feel confident to act. Confidence grows from doing:
- Volunteer for projects that stretch you a little.
- Teach something you know (blog, mentoring, a talk) — teaching reinforces your expertise.
- Apply for roles or speak up in meetings even if you’re not 100% sure you’re “ready.”
5. A Quick Mindset Check
Ask yourself:
- Would I hire someone with my background and mindset?
- What would I say to a friend who felt this way, if they had my skills?
1. Confidence ≠ Competence (But They Do Connect)
You might already have the skills, but confidence often lags behind ability — especially in high-achieving or introspective people. It's possible that you're qualified already, but you're looking for some kind of external validation or certainty, which rarely comes in the way we hope.
2. Try This Reframe: Evidence-Based Confidence
Confidence shouldn't be about convincing yourself you're the best — it's about collecting evidence that you can do the thing you're trying to do. Some ways to gather that evidence:
- List out specific wins — small or big. Projects completed, feedback from clients or peers, tough challenges you’ve solved.
- Write a “skills audit” — what are your actual capabilities? Even better: match them against job descriptions or industry benchmarks to see where you stand.
- Ask trusted people — mentors, peers, even former managers — what they think your top 3 strengths are. You’ll get a reality check, and likely some confidence boosts too.
3. The “Better Fit” Trap
Thinking "I'm not more qualified than someone else" is a trap. The truth is:
- You don’t have to be the best — just a good fit for the right thing.
- Different roles or companies value different combinations: skills, mindset, style, approach, even personality. So someone else with similar skills isn't a threat — they might be a better fit somewhere else, but not everywhere else.
4. Action Creates Clarity
You don’t have to wait until you feel confident to act. Confidence grows from doing:
- Volunteer for projects that stretch you a little.
- Teach something you know (blog, mentoring, a talk) — teaching reinforces your expertise.
- Apply for roles or speak up in meetings even if you’re not 100% sure you’re “ready.”
5. A Quick Mindset Check
Ask yourself:
- Would I hire someone with my background and mindset?
- What would I say to a friend who felt this way, if they had my skills?
Lahari Muthyam
1
Answer
Hyderabad, Telangana, India
Updated
Lahari’s Answer
Hi Jared,
The more you practice your skills, the more proficient you become. Additionally, applying your skills frequently can boost your confidence.
The more you practice your skills, the more proficient you become. Additionally, applying your skills frequently can boost your confidence.