Next Steps - Tips to help you transition into your first graduate job
Do a little preparation: you have already learned a lot about the company or organisation when getting ready for interview. Revisit this research before you start and refresh your knowledge about the company to help you gain a clearer picture about what it might be like to work there. The company/organisation’s website and LinkedIn page can be great sources of info about a company’s culture and ethos, current projects, different departments and indeed, who works there.
Plan the practicalities: think about what you are going to wear on the first day – remember that first impressions matter, (this matters even if you are working remotely!). If you have to travel to your workplace, make sure that you know your route and arrive a few minutes ahead of the scheduled time, but not too early! When you get there, greet everyone positively and smile (even if you don’t feel like it!). Remember, the people you meet will know it’s your first day and having ‘been there’ themselves at some point, generally they will want to help you to settle in and enjoy your new role.
It can take a while to figure things out and adapt to the workplace culture: little things, like not knowing where (and when!) to get a coffee, when it is appropriate to break for lunch, the etiquette around using your mobile phone and having difficulty finding your way around the building can add to your sense of unease in the first few days. After a while you will have adjusted to your new working environment and these little problems will disappear leaving you more settled to focus on the job.
Adjusting can be a bit of a challenge: though you may have balanced fulltime study and part-time work up to now, it can still take a little time to adjust to a graduate role that may involve less autonomy and free time (over the summer in particular!) than you are used to. It can take a little bit of time to make this transition so bear with it!
Make friends! Begin to build your network by connecting with your new colleagues, especially those who may have also just started. Some employers operate a ‘buddy system’ to help new hires build supportive relationships in the workplace – if your new employer runs such a scheme, do rely on the support offered.
Focus on the job: distraction can sometimes be a helpful tool to deal with first day nerves – instead of focusing on all the things you ‘don’t yet know’, try to think instead of all that you can learn and what you have to offer. You will have lots of questions in the early weeks in a new job and you won’t get all the answers right away so it can be helpful to take a few notes throughout the day that you can follow up on later with your new colleagues.
Don’t compare yourself to others: If everyone else seems to know what they are doing, try not to fall into the trap of comparing yourself unfavourably to them. Your new colleagues may have been with the organisation/company for some time so of course they are going to seem more at home. Your colleagues may also be a great source of expertise and guidance in the months ahead and it is often helpful to view their experience as a resource, not a threat. Remember that you succeeded in getting hired which probably meant that you impressed at interview and that you too have a lot of skills, expertise and most importantly, energy and enthusiasm to bring to your new role that will be of great value to your employer.
Your new manager may have a plan for you, but they might not! Workplaces differ, some may offer a very structured induction and onboarding process, while others may leave you to your own devices a little more than you had expected. You will have many questions when you start a new job but sometimes it is difficult to know when it is appropriate to seek answers. Forbes (2019) suggest some strategies to help:
When you start it can be a good idea to confirm with your manager if they would prefer you to ask questions as they arise or alternatively, if they would prefer you to keep a list of questions to run through during a scheduled meeting.
Another suggestion is to seek any documents and information early on that might answer some of those questions before they arise!
If your first week seems to lack structure, ask your manager to confirm their immediate priorities for you and work hard to meet them and impress with your initiative and determination!
Other strategies to consider in your initial weeks are:
Asking your manager for regular meetings to discuss goals, assess progress and to identify areas for improvement.
Be proactive and check out if your new workplace runs any mentorship or training schemes that you might benefit from – this will demonstrate that you are motivated and will also help you to learn the ropes and settle in!
Disclosing a disability? If you have a disability, consider if any accommodations could be made by your employer to ease the transition and enable you to succeed in your new role and speak to your HR team or designated manager.
Presentation images courtesy of Canva.com
TU Dublin Career Development Centre offers advice in good faith on the basis of the best information available. The Centre accepts no responsibility for decisions made by individuals based on such advice.