In September 2017, I started my first data science job.

I completed my master's in late 2015, and my plan was to complete a Ph.D. and stay in academia. Then a series of events led me to join a research and development team in a hospital. My initial plan was to return to school and complete a Ph.D. but then I discovered other career paths.

In late 2016, I started to consider a career in tech.

You're not a fraud! You're experiencing imposter syndrome.

Everything was great, but the was one problem.

I kept asking myself whether I was a good fit and if I was making the right decision. I now realize that this is completely normal. There is a good chance that you've experienced this feeling too when jumping into something new.

Here is how you can deal with this feeling:

#1 Think about the worst thing that could happen.

In the worst-case scenario, your boss will sit down with you and explain why you're a terrible fit for the role.

This would be really strange after multiple rounds of interviews when they decided to choose you among all the other candidates!!!

But let's say this happens and your boss has convincing evidence that you're a bad fit! In this case, you should thank them for this! Who wants to be in a role or career if they're not a good fit?

#2 Turn this feeling into an opportunity for growth.

Do you feel like you lack the knowledge or skills for the job? Or maybe you'll get exposed and everyone would know you're a fraud?

If yes, then work on those skills. Take courses or work on projects that can help you grow in areas you think you can be better at.

#3 Remember that this feeling goes away with time.

As you solve more problems and become confident in yourself this feeling goes away. Just focus on your growth and gain more experience and confidence. This is all very normal!