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Post Info TOPIC: First real job
nicoley


Coach

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First real job
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I have finally finished school after 4 years of undergrad and 4 years of graduate school.  I got accepted into a post-doctoral program where I am working for a company to mainly learn and understand how to do the job so that after the 2 year program is over I can be qualified for this job.  I am not an employee of the company but the company pays a university to pay me (so im technically employed by the university)

The point of this post is... Its my first time working at a real job where I will have real responsibilities and in an office environment.  I know ive just started, but I feel like there is just so much to learn, and don't know how I can possibly learn it all and do the job to my best ability.  And on top of the steep learning curve, its hard adjusting to an office atmosphere that Ive never been exposed to.  I'm always unsure of what the proper thing to do in different situations from making small chit chat, how to meet and interact with people in the office and just how to act in general.  

Does anyone have some general tips on how to survive in an office environment and to starting your first real job?  And if anyone could share experiences of what it was like conducting your first meeting with people in your office and taking on your first project, that would be helpful too.

Thanks


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"Deep down you may still be that same great guy I used to know. But it's not who you are underneath, it's what you do that defines you" Rachel Dawes, Batman Begins
Farrah


Marc Jacobs

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Here is an easy rule of thumb: if you wouldn't say it, do it, or wear it in front of your grandma or at church then don't do it at work. Also, try very hard to stay out of office politics and gossip. Good luck!

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Kel


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I couldn't agree more. It is very easy to do but stay away from gossip and office politics. It is hard to find the people that are actually trustworthy. Many just want to get you to gossip and then spread the word and make you look bad.

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Suasoria


Chanel

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You've had eight years of college! I'm sure you are not saying that you doubt your capacity to learn new skills and retain information. The environment is different but you are not different.

It's always tough to get your bearings in a new job. The first few weeks are tense. Chances are there are policies in place for things like calling meetings, internal communications, or handing in work, so you might have to just ask someone for a little more direction.

I think picking up the culture is just a matter of observation - i.e., do people go out to lunch together, what kind of hours are people putting in, do people leave their office doors open or closed, how are people dressed, who do you go to for supplies, etc.

And be abundantly pleasant and friendly to everyone below you on the chain - they know more than you realize!

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D


Hermes

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ditto what they said :)

and congratulations!

I had something all typed out, then reread your post, and realized I misread it...



-- Edited by D on Monday 6th of July 2009 10:18:50 AM

-- Edited by D on Monday 6th of July 2009 10:20:13 AM

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Elle


Hermes

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I agree the first few weeks of many jobs - especially those that involve very unfamiliar environments - are extrememly intense.  In fact, I recall crying daily after work for a couple weeks in the last 2 jobs I had ... overwhelmed, dealing with less-than-nice people, whatever.  I make no claims for the normalcy of that, but there it is!

It's always hard to be the new person, especially if you're young or inexperienced in 'office' work.  I have no doubt that you are a highly competent individual with a unique set of skills valuable in your industry.  Keep calm and carry on!  It will get better before too long ....

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To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment ~ {Ralph Waldo Emerson}
Boots


Gucci

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Ditto to what everyone else said. I think that if you try to do your job and take every opportunity to learn, you'll be fine. Nobody expects the "new guy" to be perfect.

My only real advice is that you should remember that the people you work with are your co-workers, not your friends. I don't mean that one or two of them couldn't one day become good friends to you. What I mean is that the easiest way to keep out of office gossip and politics is to keep it professional, even when you meet up with co-workers outside the office (such as for drinks or something.) Don't bad mouth the boss or another co-worker or complain about an assignment. Good chances are, it will work it's way through the grapevine and bite you in the end eventually.
Good luck! Remember, they hired you in the first place because they believe that you can do a good job. You should believe it too!


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Claudia


Gucci

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I don't have any advice, but congratulations!!

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XtinaStyles


Marc Jacobs

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Suasoria wrote:

 And be abundantly pleasant and friendly to everyone below you on the chain - they know more than you realize!

Ditto this!

Congrats!  My advice for you would be not to be so hard on yourself, you will learn in time, and no one expects you to be perfect.  Its often awkward to be the new guy but people will usually warm up to you and show you the ropes.  Just be open to learn and never be afraid to ask someone to show you something or repeat the steps, its much better than making mistakes and not asking.

 



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greendiamond


Marc Jacobs

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Also, if you don't know something, admit to it and ask for help, don't pretend that you know. It will come back to bite you. It is okay that you don't know everything upon showing up to your new job.

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-gd
nicoley


Coach

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Thanks for all the great advice!

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"Deep down you may still be that same great guy I used to know. But it's not who you are underneath, it's what you do that defines you" Rachel Dawes, Batman Begins
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