Starting a new position, at a new company comes with an on-boarding process. Getting acclimated to the culture, workflow, and position is overwhelming at first, but you can get through it. The On-Boarding process is tricky, and annoying at times, but can be expedited. The most important factors are having the right expectations and truly […]
Starting a new position, at a new company comes with an on-boarding process.
Getting acclimated to the culture, workflow, and position is overwhelming at first, but you can get through it.
The On-Boarding process is tricky, and annoying at times, but can be expedited.
The most important factors are having the right expectations and truly accepting the process you're about to experience.
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No matter how you start, or with whatever experience, it's going to take time.
Building relationships with people, getting familiar with the office dynamic and re-adjusting your life is going to be a process.
If you try and act like your best friends, or that you're a veteran at your new shop, you'll be met with backlash fast.
Quick Tip: Embrace being the New Person. Most people like meeting new co-workers and learning more about them.
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You're in a new place, with a new way of doing things, and new processes in place.
No one is going to expect you to know how to do everything from day one, so ask all the questions you need to.
You're going to have to ask other analysts or people to help you when you don't know the answer or how to do something.
3Take this from someone who thought they knew everything on day 1 and ended up not having the slightest clue.
Hint: Ask as many questions as you need to. Questions are better than mistakes every day of the week.
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Most Analysts will start with other Analysts, so it’s important to build good relationships with the people around you.
Anyone who has experience at the company, and is above you, or at your level, and is willing to help, is someone you want to be friends with.
5Regardless of who it is, or how much experience they have, its likely more than you have.
Hint: After all, they've been through what you're going through, and can help guide your transition by making it much easier and efficient.
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Use your free time to read. Any training, industry jargon, policies, or procedures related to your position.
Understanding and reading about the company's workflows will give you the knowledge that everyone else already has.
7It’s also incredibly important to understand the current market environment the company is operating in.
Our Tip: Everyone else already has the knowledge, the best way for you to obtain it at the beginning of a new position is by reading.
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Lunch can be an incredibly valuable time if you use it wisely.
At first, you might feel like an outsider or shy to grab lunch with anyone.
But if you're willing to step outside your comfort zone, asking people for lunch can be a great way to learn more about the company, and your role.
9If you see anyone grabbing lunch solo, try to grab lunch with them.
After all, they've been at the company longer than you have.
Recommendation: Everyone likes to grab lunch with others and be included in a group, so make a lunch group early on.
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If you're an Analyst, odds are you're going to be viewed as the one at square 1.
You might not have any experience, this might be your first job, and you might be new to the professional world.
Transitioning into the real world is tough, and when you have to learn a whole new place in the scheme of things, in order to work your way up, it requires accepting your place in the grand scheme of things.
11Try your best to accept where you are on the hierarchy, and try to work your way up.
Don't forget, it's your choice to be there, and show up the next day, you don't have to do anything.
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The people you work with, are on your team, not competing with you. View them as teammates.
When you view them as competition, you're going to be trying to beat them and win in any way you can.
13That is the exact opposite way to try and win, you're trying to build a career, not win a small battle.
Tip: Focus on winning the war, the more you compete with people, the less of a relationship you'll have with them.
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The best way to improve and truly grow is by learning from your mistakes.
People around you, and above you, are going to be watching how you do things and compare them to how others do them or how they did it.
They have experience and have learned a thing or two, so its best to try and learn as well.
15The best time to learn is early on when the company and your boss have the lowest expectations of you, and you're seen as a project rather than an asset.
Our Tip: Ask for feedback, and truly understand and accept that you are a beginner, looking to improve. Don't take the criticism personally, after all, you are a new employee.
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Think about times when you've been in a room or big group, and someone is late.
Most likely everyone looked and took a mental note.
The little things are what other people notice, and some sacrifice by working later or coming in earlier. If you're the one cutting corners, you aren't fooling anyone.
It’s ok to be late here and there, but it’s best to not make a habit out of it.
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The lonely, frustrating place isn't it? We know, it sucks.
But don't get discouraged by it.
Everyone has to start somewhere.
When you’re on-boarding, the small things get noticed. Especially as a new person, people are going to be conscious of your actions.
18You are going to be the one doing the work others don’t want to do. You want to be a Rockstar, but before you are one, you have to learn how to play an instrument first.
Our Tip: Truly comprehend that you are a beginner and that everyone around you has the experience, relationships, and knowledge you still have to build, similar to how they did. It’s going to take time, once you understand and fully comprehend that, you’re much closer than most.
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It's a good idea to sacrifice early on, whether that means staying late with someone to learn or doing something others are trying to avoid.
It'll get remembered and help you down the road.
Now you don't want to stay late for no reason, but coming in an hour early to read, or staying a little later to learn from another Analyst or Associate, is a good idea.
20Side Note: Besides the fact that it will help you expedite the learning curve, and keep you updated with everything going on in the office, it will help you build relationships with the people who stay late (which is often few, and is a great time to build them).
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Ours was getting in in the morning, reading an industry newsletter once we sat down at our monitors, and eating breakfast.
This was a nice easy transition into the workday and getting our head into thinking about our position and the day ahead of us.
It gave us time to eat, warm up the mind, start the day, and get acclimated to the office.
Hint: Find one that works best for you, not for anyone else.
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A lot of Analysts are new to the working world, and part of the onboarding process involves understanding and selecting the benefits which you believe best are best for you.
Every company has different benefit plans and packages, and its best to consult the HR department to help you choose the best ones for you.
Please note, nothing stated here is medical or financial advice. It’s best to consult professionals with the required licenses.
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Health and Medical Insurance is the coverage offered to you to protect you in case of an emergency. It’s there to help you if you are ever in a health or medical emergency.
Dental Coverage is there to give you the opportunity to have part of your dentist appointments covered through your insurance. Typically, it will give you a certain number of yearly visits to the dentist and provide additional coverage for your dental bills.
Eye Coverage is there to provide you the opportunity to have your eye doctor covered, or to cover expenses related to your eyes (like glasses).
Companies sometimes offer programs to have your train or commuting pass deducted from your pre-tax income.
Please note, this is not financial or investment advice.
Your 401(k) or retirement account is an account to help you save and plan for retirement. Money is deducted from your pre-tax pay and placed into a tax-free account. Your 401(k) account cannot be touched until later in your life. Companies also tend to match a percentage of the amount you contribute.
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Any new position is difficult in the beginning.
You're meeting new people, working in a new environment, and have to change the lifestyle you've become accustomed to.
31Whether it's a different commute, a different apartment, or new responsibilities, every new position has a lot of ups and downs.
The On-Boarding process can get annoying at times, with a lot of different formalities and training that comes with new hires, but it's an essential part of every business.
32The people you work with and see on a daily basis are your teammates.
The best way to expedite the on-boarding process is by viewing your position as a part of a team, a bigger picture.
That way, the people around you become resources as opposed to competitors.
You'll be able to ask them questions and pick their brains to help you with any questions you may have.
33It's going to take a bit of time to get fully acclimated into the company, and its culture, but if people want to help you and like you, it will make the transition that much easier.
It will probably take up to 6 months to feel comfortable in your new office and new position, but it will work itself out.
Over time, you'll slowly make adjustments, and hopefully, life will be better than your last position and it will be a rewarding experience for you.
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