Earlier this year I went on a reading binge to help me with my new career choice. I hit up the library and borrowed a whole bunch of books that would boost up my confidence and make me feel better about my new position at work. You see, I entered the “tech world” and maybe I was overthinking it, but I felt this strong sense of impersonation. Like I wasn’t the right person for the job, even though I had asked for it. I had convinced my bosses that I was the right person for it. But as soon as I got it, I felt like I wasn’t qualified. Did I sell my bosses a fraud? Am I the fraud?
I went to a meet-up where there was a panel of young women in the tech industry who talked about what it was like to be a WOMAN in tech, to feel as though they were trying to “compete” or be perceived as equals to men. I found that it was normal to feel the way I did, in fact there is a name for it: Imposter Syndrome. Apparently it’s a normal thing for women to feel this way because some don’t feel worthy or as “good as the boys” in their field. It’s ingrained in our minds that boys are better at techie stuff, that they can fix things and that they’re better at engineering a product to fix a problem. It’s also common for people to trust MEN more than they trust women with tech things. Those days are quickly ending as we are seeing more girls entering the tech industry and showing interest in programming and being excellent at it (YAY!).
After going to this meet up I was inspired to look into a few books to keep this positive “high” I felt after listening to all these women talk about their experiences breaking into the tech industry and how “We can do it!”. I made a list of books I’ve read or am interested in reading soon. These books are great for any woman at any stage of their career, whether you’re a student, a newly graduated student looking for their first “real” job, or you’re 10 years into your job and looking for something better or something to fire you up again!
10 Career Confidence Boosting Books
- Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead – Sheryl Sandberg
- GIRLBOSS – Sophia Amoruso
- Go for No! – Richard Fenton, Andrea Waltz
- Year of Yes – Shonda Rhimes
- You Are A Badass – Jen Sincero
- Lucky Bitch – Denise Duffield Thomas
- Get Rich, Lucky Bitch! – Denise Duffield Thomas
- Screw It Let’s Do It – Sir Richard Branson
- The Gifts of Imperfection – Brene Brown
- Practical Perfection – Kelly Exeter
We hold ourselves back in ways both big and small, by lacking self-confidence, by not raising our hands, and by pulling back when we should be leaning in. – Sheryl Sandberg (Lean In)
Amanda is a writer, photographer, videographer and a content creator with a passion for sharing stories. With her family of 5, they share experiences, tips and ideas that empower Moms to make memories with their families right here in British Columbia.
