Do you keep second-guessing your application for your favourite B-school? Then you are likely suffering from imposter syndrome.
For over a decade, we have mentored thousands of MBA aspirants to get into their dream business schools. The one obstacle that stopped the vast majority of them from applying to certain schools, let alone putting in their best effort, is imposter syndrome.
Do I have imposter syndrome?
Have you ever ever felt that you are not good enough? Do you give credit for your accomplishments to luck or accident? Are you shy to talk about your achievements? Do you question if you have all the qualifications to apply for an MBA at a school of your choice? Then you are likely suffering from the same too.
Applying to international B-schools is an intense process. You have to compete with the cream of the crop from across the globe for a limited number of seats. To stand out, you need to do a lot of soul searching, go into the depths of your life to pull out relevant experiences, and showcase them in a meaningful and impactful fashion. At the end of this process, you may feel overwhelmed with all the information. It can make you question all your actions and accomplishments in life.
The good news is that you share these feelings with the likes of Maya Angelou, David Bowie, Howard Schultz, Sheryl Sandberg, Tom Hanks, and Serena Williams. Even better news is that we have some actionable insights that will help you overcome your imposter syndrome.
1. Be yourself
You already have a strong idea of what the students of your dream school are like. You would have read about them on the school website and other blogs, combed through their profiles, and spoken to them. You now start comparing yourself to these individuals and try to fit into certain moulds. When you don’t attain the same high standards, it further feeds into your imposter syndrome and the cycle continues.
Acknowledging and accepting your feelings is the first step to addressing this occurance. It is only normal to get intimidated by someone else’s personality and achievements, especially if they have already attained a goal you are pursuing. But once you start interacting closely with them, you will find that your own experiences, albeit different, aren’t any less worthy. You may even have perspectives different from them and that could add value to both of you.
B-schools do not look for a homogeneous group of students. What they look for is diversity of background, experiences, perspectives, and skills. Only then can the group play to each other’s strengths and weaknesses, cover all the blind spots, and grow individually and collectively.
2. Document your wins
We highly recommend that you start a journal listing all your noteworthy experiences from different phases of life. You don’t have to do it all in a single day. Start with two or three every night or as and when you remember. Be as thorough as possible; even the smallest or silliest experience could be of great significance.
Here are some questions to get you started: What all did you achieve, big or small? How did you navigate a challenge? Were there times when you felt proud or content? What was your thought process behind a certain action? How did you overcome a situation that you thought was impossible? What lesson did you learn from your or another person’s mistakes? Did you add value to someone’s life?
This journaling exercise will help you appreciate the various things you have done in life and renew your confidence in your capabilities.
3. Find a mentor
Having a coach or mentor who can assist you in this journey goes a long way. An ideal mentor is someone who is detail-oriented, persuasive, straightforward, and trustworthy. They should hold your hand and guide you in your journey of self-reflection. They should offer clear and comprehensive feedback. They are the people who would say, “The first and last paragraphs were sloppy because you procrastinated until last night, but the experiences you described in your essay were awe-inspiring.”
You may find your mentor in an MBA admission consultancy like us; it may be a professor, a good friend, or your spouse. But once you find that person. It will be much easier to keep your imposter syndrome at bay.
4. Have real conversations
Apart from having a mentor, it is important to speak candidly to others. Whether it be friends, colleagues, family, alumni, current students, AdCom members, or other candidates, each of them is capable of giving you inputs that could prove remarkable in your journey.
People who are close to you or regularly interact with you can give you honest feedback that helps reassure and rediscover your strengths. Those who are/were part of the program will have lived experiences to share about admissions, challenges, fears, wins, and what it means to be a student again. Speak to the administrative officials to understand if the school and program fit your personality and values, and help explore your full potential and meet your goals. Your fellow applicants may share how the journey has been difficult for them and how they feel like an imposter too!
Self-doubt can be paralysing. It is important to take action and move forward. Honest, open conversations will equip you to do just that.
5. Tell your story
An MBA application is not a sales pitch, but a marketing material. You have to make them want you as part of their organisation. To compete with the top brains out there, you need to bring out the best in your profile. You need to captivate them with unabashed storytelling.
However, never try to project a persona you think they are looking for, but isn’t truly you. The AdComs will see right through it. Be authentic in your narration.
Like any great leader, you have to tactically stage your truths. And we are here if you need an ally.