For you out there entering your first job...there are a few things I have learned in the past 21 months that I hope might make the first months at your new job run smooth.
1. Make a directory
When you start names will be thrown at you left and right, I started a word document that I still add to weekly with the names of new people and a short description. Organize however you feel fit, by category, department, importance...even after almost 2 years I still look at mine!
2. Project List
Much like my directory I have my own project list. I have three categories, Completed, Current, and Upcoming. I date Upcoming projects with the estimated start date, Current projects are dated when I start them, and then Completed projects are dated when I handed them off. Even if you find a better organization for yourself this would be a good starting point to keep all of your work organized.
3. Ask Questions
People at work now joke about how many questions I asked when I first started. But what they have also noticed is that I don't have that many questions anymore! And it fact I asked about such finite details that when we run into a curve-ball I am usually the one to take such weird requests and shake out the issues. Remember to try to find the answer yourself first...but never be scared to ask the most basic questions.
4. Have a morning
The first year I arrived at least 15 minutes early everyday. This was helpful because I could organize myself before my boss got there. This way when they start sending e-mails, asking questions about projects, etc, you can answer quickly and confidently.
5. Healthy routine
Routine changes are really hard. Try to set a healthy routine from the beginning so that it is easier to stick with. A couple things I like to do is set out my clothes at night, make a healthy lunch & snack before I hit the hay, arrive at work early, and drink a ton of water everyday.
When you are new everyone is intrigued, they are excited to see what you will bring. So start looking around your niche and find the quality that you can add to the group. It will be quite a ride but most likely you will learn more in the first year of your first job then in all of your college years put together!
Hailey Schultz
1. Make a directory
When you start names will be thrown at you left and right, I started a word document that I still add to weekly with the names of new people and a short description. Organize however you feel fit, by category, department, importance...even after almost 2 years I still look at mine!
2. Project List
Much like my directory I have my own project list. I have three categories, Completed, Current, and Upcoming. I date Upcoming projects with the estimated start date, Current projects are dated when I start them, and then Completed projects are dated when I handed them off. Even if you find a better organization for yourself this would be a good starting point to keep all of your work organized.
3. Ask Questions
People at work now joke about how many questions I asked when I first started. But what they have also noticed is that I don't have that many questions anymore! And it fact I asked about such finite details that when we run into a curve-ball I am usually the one to take such weird requests and shake out the issues. Remember to try to find the answer yourself first...but never be scared to ask the most basic questions.
4. Have a morning
The first year I arrived at least 15 minutes early everyday. This was helpful because I could organize myself before my boss got there. This way when they start sending e-mails, asking questions about projects, etc, you can answer quickly and confidently.
5. Healthy routine
Routine changes are really hard. Try to set a healthy routine from the beginning so that it is easier to stick with. A couple things I like to do is set out my clothes at night, make a healthy lunch & snack before I hit the hay, arrive at work early, and drink a ton of water everyday.
When you are new everyone is intrigued, they are excited to see what you will bring. So start looking around your niche and find the quality that you can add to the group. It will be quite a ride but most likely you will learn more in the first year of your first job then in all of your college years put together!
Hailey Schultz
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