I felt like an imposter for the first few months at Google.
Whenever we switch to a new company or join a new team, the first few months are always scary and it happens to the best of us. New codebase, new processes, new people, new rituals, everything seems overwhelming.
Things get worse, when we put pressure on ourselves to perform and make an impact from day one. Remember, the initial learning curve at any company, regardless of your background, is steep.
So, how do we overcome this? I did the following things to overcome. Again, these are from my personal experience and not an exhaustive list.
- acknowledge that you will not be the smartest one in the room
- accept that you know nothing and it will take time to build the context
- ask questions, it helps you learn the codebase and processes faster
- observe others and see how they operate and navigate
- work for a few extra hours, if required, to ensure you ramp up faster
So, the next time you feel that imposter syndrome, remember: it’s a normal part of the process. Lean into the discomfort, ask those questions, and you’ll be surprised at how quickly you become an integral part of the team.