One of Sintons’ trainee solicitors has returned to his former university to talk to students about overcoming imposter syndrome. Anthony May took part in Northumbria University’s IGNITE programme, joining panellists from the DWP and Enterprise Rent-A-Car to share their experience and advice with undergraduates.
How did you end up taking part in the event?
I am a Northumbria University alumnus and was approached by the IGNITE team when I was representing Sintons at a careers fair last year, along with a fellow trainee solicitor.
I’m not from a typical background that you might expect for someone working in law – I’ve experienced homelessness and it wasn’t until I was in my late 20s that I managed to turn my life around – so I want to help other young people reach their goals, especially if they’re from an underrepresented background.
As you move up in your career it’s important to ‘put a hand down the ladder’, which is a phrase I’ve borrowed from Chris White, founder of Aspiring Solicitors, an organisation which aims to remove barriers to legal career entry for under-represented groups.
Have you experienced imposter syndrome yourself?
Yes and I was really up front about this because I think it’s important to share. It means I was able to talk about my own experiences and what I’ve done to try and counter that feeling of not being good enough.
What are some of your strategies for overcoming imposter syndrome?
I am very enthusiastic and energetic and this is something I first developed as a way of counteracting nerves and a feeling of not belonging. This enthusiasm has become a true part of my personality, it’s something people comment on, and it’s something that has helped me to get where I am today.
Now, not only am I a trainee solicitor in a major law firm but I’m also a trustee of national charity, Changing Lives, which helps people who are in challenging situations, including homelessness, change their lives for the better. I work alongside some incredibly well-respected people who are leaders in their field, and I know that I have an important contribution to make.
What kinds of situations do you think can prompt imposter syndrome in people who are starting out in their careers?
At the event, some of the students asked for advice on dealing with imposter syndrome while at university – something that can particularly affect people who are from underrepresented or non-typical backgrounds, like me.
We also talked about careers and the workplace. In law, situations like applying for a training contract after university can be incredibly competitive and stressful, so I shared some of the ways I made the process feel more manageable, including breaking things down, focusing on one thing at a time, and making time to look after your mental health.
What’s the most important piece of advice you would share with someone who’s at the start of their career and is experiencing imposter syndrome?
If you really want something then make an effort to build up your network and speak to people who know the system. Think about your own values and what you can bring to the role. And persevere! Everyone has bad days so don’t beat yourself up about the times when you’re not at your best.
Anthony May is a trainee solicitor in Sintons’ dispute resolution department. Find out more about Anthony here.
