Introduction: Starting a career in finance is exciting, but it can also be intimidating. You might find yourself sitting in a meeting surrounded by experienced colleagues in suits, heart pounding as you wonder, “Am I really cut out for this, or did I just get lucky?” This nagging self-doubt—that feeling of being a fraud despite your achievements—is commonly known as imposter syndrome. And if you’re feeling this way, rest assured you’re not alone. Imposter syndrome is surprisingly widespread in high-achieving fields: about 70% of people will experience imposter feelings at some point in their life . In Australia, a recent survey found that 54% of workers felt imposter syndrome in 2022 . In other words, half your office (and maybe even your boss) has likely felt the same jitters and self-doubt that you’re feeling now.

In the competitive world of finance and business, imposter syndrome can be especially pronounced. Landing a great role at a bank or investment firm should feel like a win, yet it often brings anxiety, self-doubt, and a fear of being “exposed” as not up to scratch . Early-career professionals and recent graduates—often stepping into their first corporate roles—may be particularly vulnerable. You’re surrounded by older, more experienced colleagues, dealing with steep learning curves, and handling responsibilities that actually matter. It’s easy to start questioning whether you truly belong. The good news is that imposter syndrome can be overcome. This post will explain what imposter syndrome is, how it tends to show up for folks in finance, and share practical strategies (backed by a bit of research) to help you conquer it.

What Is Imposter Syndrome?

Imposter syndrome is the persistent belief that you’re not as competent as others think you are, and that your achievements aren’t truly earned – that at any moment you’ll be “found out” as a fraud . The term was first coined in the 1970s by psychologists Dr. Pauline Clance and Dr. Suzanne Imes, who noticed many high-achieving women couldn’t internalise their successes and feared being exposed as “intellectual phonies.” Today, we know imposter feelings can affect anyone – people of all genders, backgrounds, and professions – but it often strikes high achievers in demanding fields. It’s not a formal mental disorder, but rather an internal experience of self-doubt and insecurity that persists despite evidence of your abilities . In essence, you have trouble crediting yourself for your accomplishments. You might think you only got that finance job because you “got lucky” or “knew someone,” or you pass off praise by saying, “Oh, it wasn’t a big deal.” Meanwhile, you worry you’re one mistake away from everyone realizing you’re not as capable as they thought.

Imposter syndrome often comes with a cycle of anxiety and overwork. You fear you’ll be unmasked, so you might push yourself extra hard, striving for perfection to compensate for these hidden “inadequacies.” Alternatively, some people hold back and avoid the spotlight, not wanting to draw attention in case they mess up. Ironically, the people feeling imposter syndrome are usually quite competent and successful already – it’s the mismatch between your actual performance and your own perception that defines the syndrome . Remember that stat about 54% of Australian workers feeling like imposters? That’s across all sorts of jobs. And in one survey of 750 high-performing executive women, 75% admitted to experiencing imposter syndrome at some point in their careers . Clearly, this phenomenon is common even among very accomplished people. In fact, even CEOs are not immune – a recent global report found 71% of U.S. CEOs have symptoms of imposter syndrome in their roles . So if you’re a young analyst or accountant feeling this way, take heart: you’re in very good company!

How Imposter Syndrome Manifests in Finance

In day-to-day life on the job, what does imposter syndrome actually feel like? Especially for early-career finance professionals, it can show up in several relatable ways:

Doubting Your Success: You might downplay your accomplishments. For example, after passing a tough certification exam or closing a big client deal, you tell yourself it was just luck, timing, or help from others. Instead of celebrating a win, you’re thinking “I don’t really deserve this – if I could do it, it must not be that hard.”
Fear of Speaking Up: Imposter feelings often lead to hesitation in meetings or voicing ideas. You have a question or a suggestion in a team meeting but hold back, worried that if you say something wrong, everyone will realise “she has no idea what she’s talking about.” This is incredibly common among new hires. Surrounded by more seasoned colleagues, you might feel your insights are too obvious or not worth sharing – even though an outside perspective is often valuable.
Over-preparing and Overworking: To avoid being “exposed,” you might find yourself working long hours poring over details to make sure everything is perfect. Double- and triple-checking work can be good practice in finance, but doing it out of fear that you’re not good enough can lead to burnout. For instance, a graduate in an investment team might spend hours researching an answer to a client’s question that a more confident colleague would simply ask someone about.
Difficulty Accepting Praise: When your manager or a client compliments you, imposter syndrome can make this agonising. Instead of saying “thank you,” you deflect with something like, “Oh, it was a team effort” or “I had a lot of guidance on it.” Internally, you might be thinking, “If they really knew how unsure I was, they wouldn’t be praising me.” This inability to internalise praise is a hallmark of imposter feelings .
Constant Comparison: In a competitive field like finance, it’s easy to compare yourself to peers. An imposter-prone mind will magnify others’ strengths and minimise your own. You might notice a colleague who confidently discusses market trends or accounting standards and think, “Wow, they really know their stuff. I’m lightyears behind.” Meanwhile, you overlook the unique skills and insights you bring.
Fear of Asking for Help: You hesitate to seek help or ask questions, because doing so feels like admitting ignorance. For example, if you’re new at a finance firm and don’t understand a certain valuation model, you might struggle alone for days rather than ask a teammate, all because you worry that asking will confirm you’re not qualified. Ironically, asking questions is expected when you’re new – but imposter syndrome convinces you it’s not.

These feelings can be exacerbated by the culture and environment of finance. Many finance workplaces, especially in areas like investment banking, funds management, or corporate accounting, are high-pressure and performance-focused. High expectations come with the territory. Early in your career, you’re also keenly aware of your own inexperience. Being surrounded by senior professionals with years of expertise (and perhaps fancy degrees like MBAs or CFAs) can make anyone feel a bit inadequate. As one article on recent finance graduates noted, being “thrown into an environment with older, more experienced heads” can leave young people feeling not good enough . Furthermore, if you happen to be from a group that’s underrepresented in your workplace (for example, women in a traditionally male-dominated team, or someone from a different cultural background than the majority), those “I don’t fit in” feelings can intensify. Research suggests imposter syndrome may affect women and minorities in high-achieving environments at higher rates, partly due to subtle biases or a lack of role models they can identify with . For instance, female professionals often report feeling extra pressure to prove themselves; one survey found 81% of women believe they put more pressure on themselves not to fail than men do . All these factors create a perfect storm where self-doubt can flourish.

Why It’s Important to Tackle These Feelings

A little bit of self-doubt isn’t necessarily a bad thing. In fact, some experts note that imposter syndrome can sometimes motivate you to work harder and stay humble, which can be an asset . A touch of humility keeps you learning and growing. As Westpac’s Chief Mental Health Officer recently told a group of graduates, in high-performing organisations it’s normal to have some self-doubt when you hold yourself to high standards – if you had no doubt at all, it could even be a red flag . So, feeling like an imposter once in a while means you’re pushing yourself and you care about doing well.

However, there’s a fine line: when imposter feelings become constant or crippling, they can start to interfere with your career and wellbeing . Chronic anxiety and lack of confidence may lead you to shy away from opportunities you’re actually ready for – like not applying for that promotion or not volunteering for a project that would showcase your skills. Over time, this can hold back your growth. It can also cause unnecessary stress, impact your mental health, or diminish your enjoyment of work. That’s why learning to manage and overcome imposter syndrome is so important, especially early in your career. By tackling it now, you can set yourself up for a more confident, fulfilling professional journey.

Below, we’ll explore several practical strategies to help overcome imposter syndrome. These tips are meant to build your confidence and resilience so you can truly thrive in your finance or business career. Remember, overcoming imposter feelings won’t happen overnight – it’s a gradual process of changing how you talk to yourself and learning to see yourself more objectively. But each small step will help. Let’s dive into some actionable ideas you can start using today.

Practical Strategies to Overcome Imposter Syndrome

Imposter syndrome might feel overwhelming, but it is manageable. Many successful finance professionals have been in your shoes and come out the other side. Here are some tried-and-true strategies to help you push back against imposter feelings and build confidence:

Document Your Wins: Start a private “wins” journal or log where you record your achievements, big or small. Did you get praised by a client? Finish a complex Excel model correctly? Speak up in a team huddle? Write it down. Over time, this list will serve as concrete evidence of your successes. When that inner imposter voice says “You’re not doing well enough,” you can literally flip through pages of proof to the contrary. Keeping track of positive feedback and accomplishments helps reframe your perspective from “I’m not good at anything” to “Actually, I’ve come a long way and have a solid track record.” Celebrating your own wins (even modest ones) trains you to internalise your success rather than dismiss it . Some people also keep a folder of nice emails or kudos at work—on tough days, revisit it for a confidence boost.
Reframe Your Self-Talk: Pay attention to that little voice in your head and start challenging negative self-talk. For instance, if you catch yourself thinking, “I only got hired because I got lucky,” pause and counter it: “I got hired because I have potential and the right qualifications—HR doesn’t hand out jobs as charity.” If you find yourself saying, “I have no idea what I’m doing,” reframe it as, “I’m new, and I’m learning as I go—everyone starts somewhere.” This kind of cognitive reframing takes practice, but it’s powerful. You can even write down your self-doubting thoughts and then write a more balanced rebuttal next to each. Over time, you’ll train your brain to adopt a more realistic and positive view of your abilities. Part of reframing is also learning to accept compliments instead of batting them away . The next time someone at work commends you on a job well done, resist the urge to downplay it. Simply say “thank you” and allow yourself a moment to believe that they might genuinely mean it (because they probably do!). By graciously accepting praise, you start to reinforce the notion that you deserve it.
Seek Feedback (and Don’t Be Afraid of It): Actively ask for feedback from trusted managers, mentors, or colleagues on a regular basis. This serves two purposes: first, you get valuable input to improve your skills (which builds real confidence), and second, you gain an outside perspective on your performance. Often, our own view of ourselves is way harsher than how others see us. Hearing from your supervisor that you did well on that quarterly report or that you handled a client call effectively can cut through your self-doubt. If there are areas to work on, you’ll know about them in a constructive way, rather than assuming the worst. Many early-career folks with imposter feelings avoid feedback out of fear of criticism, but remember that feedback is not a performance review of you as a person – it’s guidance to help you grow. Most managers appreciate juniors who seek feedback; it shows you’re proactive and serious about development. So try setting up a monthly check-in to ask, “What am I doing well, and what could I do better?” You might be pleasantly surprised to hear that others have much more confidence in you than you think.
Find Mentors and Role Models: Identifying a mentor can be a game-changer when you’re battling imposter syndrome. A good mentor (or even just a more experienced buddy at work) can provide support, share their own stories of struggle, and give you perspective. Sometimes just hearing a successful senior say, “I felt like that when I started, too,” makes a world of difference. In fact, in the KPMG women’s leadership study, 72% of executive women said they looked to a mentor or adviser when doubting their abilities . It helps to have someone in your corner who can remind you of your progress and nudge you forward. If your company has a formal mentoring program, consider joining it. If not, you can still build your support network informally: reach out to a colleague you admire, or stay in touch with a former professor or senior from university who can offer encouragement. Additionally, seek out role models in your industry who have similar backgrounds or journeys. Seeing people like you succeeding in finance can help normalize the idea that you belong there too. For example, if you’re a young woman in banking, it can be inspiring to read about female leaders who made it to the top – not to compare, but to remind yourself that others have forged the path.
Embrace a Learning Mindset: One of the best antidotes to imposter feelings is adopting a growth mindset – essentially, acknowledging that you don’t know everything yet and that’s okay, because you’re capable of learning. As a new graduate or young professional, you aren’t expected to know it all on day one. Your job is to learn and improve. A recent finance graduate interviewed about imposter syndrome said the key realization was that “when you go into a new environment, you have to assume you know nothing and be a sponge” . In other words, come ready to learn. If you approach your role with curiosity, asking questions and picking up new skills, you shift the focus from proving yourself to improving yourself. This takes a lot of pressure off. Every time you learn something new (whether it’s a financial concept or a software tool), you’re bolstering your competence and chipping away at those feelings of inadequacy. Give yourself permission to be a beginner. Ask questions when you need clarity – in finance especially, there’s tons of jargon and complex processes, so even experienced folks ask each other for help. Remember that continual learning is part of the job, even for the experts. By embracing it, you turn “I don’t know” from a source of shame into an opportunity for growth.
Challenge Perfectionism: Many people in finance are ambitious and detail-oriented, which is great – but it can also tip into perfectionism, a common trait tied to imposter syndrome. You might feel that unless your work is 100% flawless, you’re a failure. It’s time to let go of that notion. Set realistic standards for yourself: of course you should produce high-quality work, but that doesn’t mean never making a mistake. Even seasoned CFOs make errors or have proposals that don’t land. Instead of aiming to be perfect, aim to do your best and learn from any missteps. If something doesn’t go perfectly (and inevitably, something won’t), resist the voice that says “See, I’m no good.” Instead, practise saying, “Okay, that didn’t work out this time – what can I learn from this for next time?” By viewing mistakes as lessons rather than proof of inadequacy, you rob imposter syndrome of one of its favourite weapons. Also, prioritise being kind to yourself when you do stumble . Beating yourself up will only reinforce the imposter feelings, whereas a bit of self-compassion will help you bounce back faster. Remember, in finance as in life, no one bats 1000.
Talk About It: Finally, consider confiding in someone you trust about how you feel. It could be a co-worker you get along with, a friend from uni who’s in a similar field, or even a family member. Imposter syndrome thrives in silence – when you keep those fears to yourself, they loom larger. But simply saying “Honestly, I sometimes feel like I have no idea what I’m doing at work” to a trusted person can be relieving. Chances are, the reply you’ll get is “Oh my gosh, me too!” or at least “I’ve been there.” Sharing your feelings can validate that imposter syndrome is a common human experience, not a personal flaw. It also opens the door for others to support you or share their tips. Within your workplace, if you feel up to it, you might even raise the topic in a general way. For example, some teams combat imposter syndrome by having more experienced members share stories of mistakes they made or challenges they had early on. This creates a culture where everyone sees that struggling at first is normal, not a sign that you don’t belong. The more transparent we all are about these feelings, the less power they have. Of course, use your judgment on who and where to share – the goal is to find supportive ears. But don’t suffer in silence. As the saying goes, a problem shared is a problem halved.

Each of these strategies can chip away at imposter syndrome. They help you build a more balanced self-image, where you can acknowledge your strengths and accept your areas of improvement without feeling like a fraud. Over time, the aim is to replace the constant self-doubt with a quieter, more confident inner voice that says, “I’m capable, I’m learning, and I belong here.”

An Empowering Note to Finish

As you navigate the early stages of your finance or business career in Australia (or anywhere), remember that feeling like an imposter is actually a sign that you’re growing. You’re stepping out of your comfort zone and into new challenges – of course it feels uncomfortable! Give yourself credit for what you’ve achieved to get here. Think back to a few years ago: would your past self believe all the things you know and can do now? Probably not. Whenever self-doubt creeps in, take a minute to reflect on how far you’ve come, even in just the past year . That simple perspective shift can remind you that you are, in fact, good enough for this role – and you’re only going to get better from here.

Lastly, keep in mind that imposter syndrome tends to lose its grip as you gain experience and evidence of your capabilities. Every new project you tackle, every skill you master, every positive feedback you receive will weaken those imposter feelings. In the meantime, don’t let imposter syndrome rob you of opportunities. Raise your hand for that project, share your thoughts in that meeting, apply for that internal role when it opens. You have a unique combination of skills and viewpoints that bring value to the table. The finance industry thrives on fresh ideas and diverse thinking, and that includes yours.

Be patient and kind to yourself as you work on this. Some days you’ll feel on top of the world; other days the doubts will linger – and that’s okay. Keep using the strategies above, lean on your support network, and consider professional guidance if the anxiety ever feels too heavy. Overcoming imposter syndrome is a journey, but each step you take builds your confidence.

Remember, you earned your place in the room. You belong, you are capable, and you’ve got this. Your career is just beginning, and there’s so much you can and will achieve. Hold your head high, back yourself, and know that even when that little imposter voice whispers, you have the tools to answer back with a proud, “I deserve to be here.”

References

CFA Institute. (2024, October 22). Overcoming imposter syndrome: Advice from recent finance graduates. CFA Institute Insights.

Cormican, L. (2023, July 20). For graduates, imposter feelings are part of the journey. Westpac Wire.

Kayser, A. (2023, March 9). 75% of female executives get imposter syndrome. Becker’s Hospital Review.

Korn Ferry. (2024, June 6). 71% of U.S. CEOs experience imposter syndrome, new Korn Ferry research finds [Press release]. Korn Ferry Newsroom.

Milligan, B. (2023, August 18). Could you be suffering from imposter syndrome? Australian Women’s Weekly.