A Reminder not to Underestimate Yourself

By: Sana Malik

I’ve always been very self conscious when it came to putting myself out there for a better

opportunity. Whether that’s a job, or even just raising my hand in class, I’ve constantly felt like I wasn’t prepared or good enough. So, when I got the email from the Department of Psychology announcing a new opening for a Research Assistant position at the REACH Lab, I felt afraid at first. I was at a point where I needed experience in a lab. These last couple years had been fulfilling but I’d been neglecting this duty that every Psychology major pursues, to work in a lab. Partly because I hadn’t found any openings and partly because I felt that I wasn’t good enough. I read through the hiring information. The projects we’d go over, how the interview process looked like, what I’d have to submit in return. However, this time I decided to swallow that usual fear down and apply. I thought to myself “Here’s an opportunity at arms reach, why not take it?”. So I submitted the letter of intent, and anticipated receiving a rejection letter. Only for a response to come a couple days later, asking for an interview. As much as I wish I could say I was thrilled, I felt terrified. This sense of imposter syndrome started bubbling within me once again. “Am I good enough for this lab?”, “Should I even take this interview?”, “Will it be obvious that I’m a total fish out of water for this job?”. All the while though, I tried combating these feelings by figuring out ways I can relate to each of the projects. What kind’ve input can I provide within the lab that hadn’t been touched upon before.

Cut to being in the lab. It felt nice that I was able to work with other lab partners who

were also newly hired. I didn’t feel alone in my nervousness. Throughout the lab there would be moments where I’d really surprise myself. Going for the gold, and working on projects I’d never had before. Creating my first poster with a lab partner and presenting at my first conventions. The work is challenging, but it definitely gave me long-term satisfaction, and made me feel very accomplished. I would like to add that I couldn’t have confidently performed on these tasks without the constant reassurance from Professor Yang and my lab team. It was this reassurance that pushed me to keep reminding myself that it was I who was picked for the job. It was I who was helping to work on these projects for the lab. I can do this. I eventually found myself realizing that my imposter syndrome had shrunk and I felt more confident working on projects.

Ultimately looking back at my first semester in the REACH lab, I’m really fortunate I was

able to work within a setting that was very forgiving with the learning process. When you apply for a research assistant position for the first time, it’s natural to feel that sense of being an imposter. However it’s important to remember that part of being a research assistant is also learning the research! Your professors want you to ask questions and clarify if there is

something confusing about a task you’re assigned. Once I realized this, it made asking

questions feel a lot more comfortable. Instead of focusing on my inability to do the work, I

started thinking more about the research I’m getting the chance to learn and conduct.

So take that chance on yourself and ask that question! Try and take the lead on a

project! Send that letter of intent! Give yourself that opportunity to not only learn new aspects of psychological research but parts of yourself you would’ve never expected to come out.