By: Kara Rocheleau Lazarus T’99

Imposter Syndrome has become a buzzword these days, and Ivy League institutions are prime environments where it often takes root. Tuck is not immune to these challenges. The School’s strength in attracting a diverse student body often includes individuals who have experienced feelings of inadequacy. Students from low-income or first-generation backgrounds, underrepresented communities, people of color, veterans, women, and LGBTQ+ individuals may be especially vulnerable to these feelings.

A few years ago, as I approached my 20-year reunion at Tuck, I decided to interview the women of the Class of ’99. We were a small but formidable group of 49 women, just 27 percent of the class—far from the near-equal gender balance seen today. The conversations were thoughtful, introspective, and occasionally tinged with sadness, but always genuine. What quickly emerged was a deep sense of connection rooted in our shared experience.

We had a fantastic time in New Hampshire in the late ’90s. We worked hard, played harder, and benefitted from a booming economy with abundant job opportunities. Those two years in New England were some of the best of my life, and the friendships I forged then remain as strong as they were when we lived in Buchanan Hall.

However, despite how much I loved my time at Tuck, I often felt inadequate. That feeling began even before I officially started as a student. After being accepted, I attended Admitted Students Weekend, eager to visit campus for the first time. As an introvert (ISTJ), the weekend felt overwhelming. My discomfort grew at my first Tuck ’Tails event, where I overheard classmates casually mentioning things like, “My office is at 45th and Lex,” or “I grew up on Broadway and 84th.” A voice in my head whispered, “You’ve never even been to Manhattan. You don’t belong here. You’re going to fail.” While I cherished my time at Tuck, this nagging feeling of being less than followed me throughout my experience.

As I conducted my interviews, I was surprised to learn that many of my classmates had felt the same way. Some shared my fears, but others faced different challenges. They worried about their college backgrounds, lack of travel experience, or perceived gaps in intellectual ability (especially in quantitative skills). Some felt financially inadequate—by Tuck standards, at least—and others struggled with the language of business, particularly in finance. Hearing classmates of color share how they faced these challenges along with other layers of complexity was heartbreaking.

Why did we feel this way? We were intelligent, driven women who had earned admission to one of the top business schools in the world. Shouldn’t that have been enough validation? Sadly, for many of us, it wasn’t. Even Tuck Scholars confessed to feeling like they weren’t smart enough, despite their obvious brilliance. So, what was going on? Why did we think so little of ourselves? While I don’t have a definitive answer, I believe addressing Imposter Syndrome is more important than understanding it.

Feelings of inadequacy likely persist among Tuck students today. The pressures of society are greater than ever. In an era where lives are often lived publicly, and achievements are broadcast for all to see, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Add to that the demands of a rigorous course load and the frantic race to secure an internship or job, and it’s no surprise that feelings of doubt can seep into their hearts.

As alumni, I believe we can play a pivotal role to help ease these fears and offer our support. Here are a few ways we can assist current students:

Slow Down
When interacting with students, take the time to listen. Spend an extra few minutes asking about their experiences, what’s going well for them, and what they’re proud of. Encourage them. Remind them that they’ve earned their place at Tuck.

Display Vulnerability
Share your own struggles during your time at Tuck. How did you navigate unfamiliar conversations and situations? Showing vulnerability can help students feel less alone in their own challenges.

Walk the Talk
Even at 50, I still experience moments of self-doubt. One mantra that has helped me is a line from Mindy Kaling, a Dartmouth alumna and star of The Office: “Why not me?” Whether I’m submitting a work proposal, preparing for an ultramarathon, or even writing this piece, I ask myself, “Why not me?” Those three simple words give me the confidence boost I need. It’s my internal power stance—one I can carry confidently, even in public, because no one knows the silent affirmation happening in my head.

Tuck is an extraordinary place that shaped my professional success and opened my eyes in ways I never anticipated. I look forward to every reunion and start counting down to the next one far too early. I belonged at Tuck. I deserved to be there, as did all my classmates—male and female alike. Let’s ensure that future generations of alumni feel that same sense of belonging and worth.

Kara Rocheleau Lazarus T’99 is the founder and principal of Think Pink Idea Consulting, where she has dedicated over two decades to qualitative research and creative ideation. She helps companies uncover consumer perceptions, gather meaningful feedback, and shape product development and marketing strategies. Kara’s expertise spans retail, CPG, and healthcare, and she is renowned for her empathetic and engaging interview style. She earned her MBA from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College and holds a BA in Mathematics and Economics from Illinois Wesleyan University. Kara lives with her family in Minneapolis where she spends her free time running, cross-country skiing, and providing support for families with children facing complex medical challenges.