Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

By Stefania Fieramosca, FBI AIA Member

Imposter syndrome can be very real when transitioning from government work to the private sector, and it’s something many people experience, regardless of their background.

It's that feeling that you don’t belong or that you’re not as capable as others think you are, and it can be especially prevalent in career transitions.

Here’s why imposter syndrome might come up in your case, and how to manage it.

Why Imposter Syndrome is Common in This Transition

1. Different Work Environment

   • The private sector and government work environments are often quite different. In government, there’s a strong emphasis on rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. While these remain important in the private sector, it does also tend to be more fast-paced, results-driven, and focused on profit and innovation.

   • This shift in priorities and pace might cause you to doubt your ability to adjust to these new expectations, making you feel like you might not have the right skills or experience, even though you do.

     
     

2. Unfamiliarity with Private Sector Metrics

   • In the private sector, success is often measured by profitability, market share, and growth. If you're used to evaluating success based on public service goals or compliance standards, you might feel unsure about how your experience translates to metrics like ROI (Return on Investment), client acquisition, or revenue growth.

   • This can lead to doubts about whether your government achievements will hold up in a business-focused environment.

     
     

3. Overconfidence in Other People's Expertise

   • When entering a new field, it’s easy to assume that everyone around you knows more than you do, especially if they have direct private sector experience. You might worry that they will see you as an outsider or not take your background seriously.

   • The truth is, while their experience might differ, your skills and expertise from government work are still valuable and transferable. Think of your experience and theirs as complements and an opportunity for you both to learn and develop with each other's support.

     
     

4. The Fear of Making Mistakes

   • In government positions, the processes often involve more checks and balances, which can make you feel safer or more supported in your decisions. The government often has layers of reviews and approvals, requiring that you "ask for permission rather than forgiveness." It can often be the opposite outside of government. In the private sector, you might be asked to make decisions faster and with less oversight, which can increase the feeling that you might “fail” or make a mistake.

   • This leads to self-doubt and the fear that you’ll be “found out” as someone who doesn’t truly know what they’re doing, even though you have many relevant skills. It may also take you longer to break out of "ask for permission" as your default mode so that you can grow more comfortable and confident in:

     • Taking risks and being okay with some projects "failing,"

     • Asking for help with some tasks, or

     • Admitting that you don't know something.

       
       

5. Cultural Differences

   • The culture in the private sector is often more competitive, and the focus on performance metrics, sales, or profit may differ significantly from what you’ve experienced in the government. You might feel like you’re entering a world where success is measured differently, and this discrepancy can trigger imposter syndrome.

   • You may also feel lost in the different "mission" of the private sector organization when comparing it to the FBI's mission, and it's important for you to identify where the missions align.

How to Manage and Overcome Imposter Syndrome

• Recognize that Imposter Syndrome is Common

  • Many people experience imposter syndrome, especially when they’re in new situations or transitioning careers. It’s normal, and acknowledging that everyone has doubts at some point can help you feel less isolated.

    
    

• Focus on Transferable Skills

  • Government experience often includes skills like project management, policy analysis, team leadership, and stakeholder engagement, all of which are highly transferable to the private sector.

  • Remember that your background brings a unique perspective that can be invaluable, especially in areas where businesses need expertise in regulations, compliance, leading and motivating teams, or managing large, complex projects.

    
    

• Identify and Celebrate Your Achievements

  • Look back on your accomplishments in the government sector and recognize the impact you’ve had. Whether it was saving money, improving processes, mitigating threats, implementing new tech or processes, or leading teams, those are tangible successes.

  • Document your achievements in terms of measurable outcomes (e.g., “Led a team that improved project completion time by 20%”) so that you can confidently talk about your successes.

    
    

• Be Honest with Yourself and Others

  • It's okay to acknowledge that you're learning and adjusting to a new environment. You don’t need to know everything right away. What’s important is your ability to learn quickly, ask questions, and adapt to new challenges.

Your growth mindset will be more valuable than any experience you may feel you lack. Many employers in the private sector value employees who can adapt and learn quickly.

• Seek Support

  • Mentorship can be incredibly helpful when transitioning. Finding someone with experience in the private sector who understands the government context can help you understand how to bridge the gap and build confidence.

  • A supportive peer group can also remind you that everyone feels out of their element when they’re doing something new. Their encouragement can help combat feelings of self-doubt.

    
    

• Focus on the Big Picture

  • Understand that private sector employers are not expecting you to be firing on all cylinders right away. They value the diversity of experience you bring and will appreciate your unique perspective.

  • Most companies want employees who bring fresh ideas and problem-solving abilities, and you likely have plenty of both from your time in government.

    
    

• Take Small, Measurable Steps

  • Instead of worrying about mastering everything at once, focus on one task or skill at a time. Break down bigger challenges into smaller goals, and celebrate small wins along the way. These incremental successes will help you build confidence.

Remember: Your government experience is valuable.

Your time in government has likely equipped you with a variety of valuable skills like leadership, project management, strategic thinking, and problem-solving — all of which are highly relevant to the private sector. While the environment may differ, the core competencies are transferable, and your unique experience can set you apart.

In summary, imposter syndrome is a common feeling during career transitions, but it’s important to remind yourself that it’s a temporary feeling and doesn’t reflect your true abilities or potential.

By focusing on your strengths, embracing your transferable skills, and seeking support when needed, you can overcome it and thrive in the private sector.

Have you experienced imposter syndrome? What helped you manage/overcome it? Share your thoughts in the comments below to help others!