Women's Imposter Syndrome in STEM Fields

By Maya Adam

Making an important decision in a room full of people who you think are better than you, all putting pressure on you not to mess up. This is the case for many women who suffer from imposter syndrome in the STEM field. Many women who study subjects such as computer science make up a very small part of their field, at only 21.2%. In engineering, only 18% is made up of women, and in physics/mathematics, only 15% is made up of women. 

Imposter syndrome can make women feel internally that they are not as competent at something as others perceive them to be. People with this syndrome have a lot of self-doubts, a lack of confidence, and a low self-esteem. Many women who have this syndrome are unaware of it, and it affects a broad spectrum of people from different social classes. Women with this syndrome, especially in STEM fields, may sabotage their success and fear that they won't live up to a certain high expectation. Many who have imposter syndrome can often unknowingly suffer from bad coping mechanisms such as procrastination and self-doubt. Women who have imposter syndrome may choose not to ask questions, take on challenging assignments that they are capable of, or even speak, which results in them missing an opportunity. 

Imposter syndrome is prevalent in the STEM field because of the high-stress environment and the many years of schooling and training to enter the field. Many women who work in male-dominated STEM fields often feel pressure to represent “all women,” when being a woman is such a broad scope and hard to grasp. Feeling like the “odd one out,”  makes many women feel isolated and alone, as having people who are similar to you often provides a sense of comfort. Studies show that women are more likely to doubt themselves than men, and this is the case for many job applicants who apply for jobs in the STEM field. Even though many women go through imposter syndrome in STEM fields, it doesn't make them less intelligent or successful; it only causes them to think differently when compared to others. Networking and career events are a great way for many women in the STEM field to connect with others like them and to feel represented. Addressing this hidden issue is important so women who suffer from imposter syndrome don't feel alone.

Works Cited

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“Feeling Like a Fraud: Impostor Syndrome in STEM.” Technology Networks, http://www.technologynetworks.com/tn/articles/feeling-like-a-fraud-impostor-syndrome-in-stem-324839. Accessed 24 Mar. 2023.

Fischer, Kari. Women in STEM: Shattering “Imposter Syndrome.” https://www.nyas.org/magazines/beyond-2030-sustainable-development-for-the-next-frontier/women-in-stem-shattering-imposter-syndrome/.

“How Is the Current STEM Gender Bias? | Imperial News | Imperial College London.” Imperial News, 14 Feb. 2022, https://www.imperial.ac.uk/news/233901/how-current-stem-gender-bias/.