By: Chau Sin Han, Bachelor of Information Technology, The University of Newcastle, Australia
Working in tech can be thrilling, challenging, and rewarding — but for many women like me, it also comes with moments of doubt. Imposter syndrome is real.
Curiosity Sparked My Tech Journey
I didn’t always know I’d end up in tech. But growing up, I was fascinated by how things worked — and inspired by my mum, an SAP consultant, who showed me how powerful technology could be in business.
When it came to choosing a degree, I wanted something practical and future-focused. That’s what led me to the Bachelor of Information Technology from The University of Newcastle, Australia, delivered at PSB Academy in Singapore. The course offered hands-on projects, industry-relevant content, and lecturers who truly prepared us for the real world.
It wasn’t just about coding. It was about learning how to think, problem-solve, and collaborate — all of which laid the foundation for my current role in tech.
Starting My Tech Career — And Facing That Inner Voice
After graduation, I joined the tech industry as an ERP System Analyst in the semiconductor and electronics sector. I test enterprise systems, build dashboards, and work closely with stakeholders to make sure things run smoothly behind the scenes.
The work demands both technical knowledge and people skills — and it pushed me outside my comfort zone from day one
Leading my first big project as a Test Manager without prior experience was intimidating. I rehearsed every presentation. I over-prepared for meetings. And deep down, I kept wondering: “Do I really have what it takes?”
That was my first real encounter with imposter syndrome. But when the project successfully concluded, I felt something shift. I’d done it. And it wasn’t luck. It was effort, preparation, and the willingness to keep going even when I was scared.
Navigating Challenges in a Fast-Moving Tech Industry
The truth is, imposter syndrome never really goes away. Some days, I still catch myself thinking, “Do I really belong here?” But I’ve learned how to manage it.
- I prepare thoroughly so I can walk into meetings knowing I’ve done the work.
- I remind myself of past wins when self-doubt creeps in.
- I reach out to mentors and colleagues I trust — because support makes all the difference.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that it’s okay not to know everything. Tech is constantly evolving. Nobody has all the answers — not even the people who seem like they do.
What the Tech Industry has Taught Me
Working in tech has taught me that success isn’t just about knowing the most — it’s about how you work with others, how you adapt, and how you solve problems.
As a woman in this field, I’ve found that qualities like empathy, collaboration, and active listening help me approach challenges from different angles. These so-called “soft skills” are just as critical as technical ones — especially when you’re working across departments or leading cross-functional teams.
Looking Ahead — and Staying Curious
Right now, I’m exploring how artificial intelligence and machine learning can transform the way we work. These are areas I never thought I’d dive into when I first started out — but that’s what excites me most about tech: there’s always something new to learn.
I don’t know exactly where my career will take me next, but I do know this — I’m not done growing. And even when imposter syndrome taps me on the shoulder, I remind myself: I’ve figured it out before. I can do it again.
Thinking About a Tech Career?
If you’re thinking about starting your journey in STEM — don’t wait to feel “ready.” You might never feel 100% ready. I didn’t. But you learn along the way.
PSB Academy gave me the space, tools, and real-world projects to grow into the tech professional I am today. It’s where I built my foundation — and where I proved to myself I could rise above challenges.
Explore PSB Academy’s IT & Computer Science course today.