# 24: I'm a Total Fraud

- Show: [Embedded.fm](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm)
- Published: 2013-10-23
- Length: 53m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2013-10-23-24-im-a-total-fraud
- Listen: https://makingembeddedsystems.libsyn.com/mes-ep24-mp3

## Summary

Elecia White and producer Christopher White discuss a listener's question about how to measure competence as an embedded software engineer, referencing the RBM Consulting embedded C test and Brain Bench exams. They argue that rote knowledge tests are less valuable than evaluating a candidate's project history, ability to ship code, and generalist skills. The conversation shifts to the prevalence of imposter syndrome in engineering, with White sharing her personal strategy of maintaining a '10-slide deck' of achievements to counter feelings of fraudulence. They conclude that the best way to improve is through hands-on projects and teaching, rather than passive reading.

## Chapters

- [0:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2013-10-23-24-im-a-total-fraud#t=6) Introduction: Listener Question on Embedded C Competence
- [3:37](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2013-10-23-24-im-a-total-fraud#t=217) Critique of Standardized Tests and Language Idioms
- [6:12](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2013-10-23-24-im-a-total-fraud#t=372) Evaluating Generalists and Project History
- [12:08](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2013-10-23-24-im-a-total-fraud#t=728) Measuring Success: Shipping Code and Peer Feedback
- [18:22](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2013-10-23-24-im-a-total-fraud#t=1102) Engineering Culture: Snark, Ninjas, and Failure
- [25:16](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2013-10-23-24-im-a-total-fraud#t=1516) Imposter Syndrome and Social Dynamics
- [35:33](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2013-10-23-24-im-a-total-fraud#t=2133) Coping Strategies: The 10-Slide Deck and Teaching
- [47:14](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2013-10-23-24-im-a-total-fraud#t=2834) Learning by Doing: Projects vs. Reading Books

## Topics

- [Embedded firmware](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/embedded-firmware)
- [Careers & education](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/engineering-careers-and-education)
- [Validation & product-market fit](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/validation-and-product-market-fit)
- [Leadership, teams & culture](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/leadership-and-culture)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- RBM Consulting (company)
- Brain Bench (other)
- Arduino (product)
- Stanford (other)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Episode 320: I’m an idiot, help me…](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2021-08-27-episode-320-im-an-idiot-help-me) (Making It)
- [Work on it for 10 years...](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2016-12-30-work-on-it-for-10-years) (The Amp Hour)
- [Pedantic or Andrantic](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2018-01-03-pedantic-or-andrantic) (The Amp Hour)
- [Christmas Special](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2021-12-22-christmas-special) (The Pragmatic Embedded Podcast)
- [The Matthew Test with Matthew Eshleman - Part 1](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2022-07-27-the-matthew-test-with-matthew-eshleman-part-1) (The Pragmatic Embedded Podcast)

## Citing this page

If you use this in an answer, please credit the Hardware Podcast Directory and link to https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2013-10-23-24-im-a-total-fraud. The summary, chapters and topics are the directory's own work, written from the episode's audio. The episode itself, its title and its audio belong to Embedded.fm.