Imposter Syndrome in Software Engineering

Join GitHub software engineers Jonathan Tamsut, Brittany Ellich, Erika Egemeyer, and Bethany Janos as they break down one of tech's most common yet rarely discussed challenges: imposter syndrome.

In this inaugural episode, four career-changers share their personal experiences with feeling like frauds despite proven success. Drawing from the foundational 1978 research by Pauline Clance and Suzanne Imes, the hosts explore why so many engineers—regardless of background—struggle with self-doubt and fear of being "exposed."

Topics covered:

• The myth of the "basement programmer" and how industry stereotypes fuel imposter syndrome
• Why career changers (from chemistry, biomedical engineering, and other fields) often feel they don't belong
• The problematic "10x developer" narrative and why team collaboration matters more
• How to measure your own success beyond technical prowess
• Creating psychologically safe team environments where asking for help is normalized
• Practical strategies for combating imposter syndrome and building confidence
• The importance of inclusive language and accessible code

Whether you're a seasoned engineer or just starting your career, this honest conversation offers validation and actionable insights for anyone who's ever wondered if they're "technical enough" to be in tech.

Links

• https://howwefeel.org/
• https://www.everywoman.com/my-development/quiz-there-are-5-kinds-imposter-syndrome-which-one-yours/

Hosts

• Bethany Janos: https://github.com/bethanyj28
• Brittany Ellich: https://brittanyellich.com/
• Eggyhead: https://github.com/eggyhead
• Jonathan Tamsut: https://jtamsut.substack.com/