Post-Graduation Transition

You’ve all been through several “first day of school” but what about your first day at a new a full-time job? For many people, this can be a nerve-racking transition because they don’t really know what to expect or how to prepare for the first day of their job.

Thankfully, with some insight from Claire Nichols, a Talent Acquisition Specialist at Sherwin Williams, she was able to shed some light on this subject at our Post-Grad Transition event. Keep reading to see the helpful tips that she shared!

How to Prepare Before Day One

  • Have the contact of someone on site so you can ask questions
  • Learn what the parking situation is like
  • Figure out what people do for lunch (Cafeteria, Order Out, Packed Lunch)
  • Attire – how should you dress?
  • Gather the documents should you bring with you

What to Expect on Day One

  • Arrive early! Make sure to leave time for unexpected traffic.
    • Drive the route at least once before your first day so you can be familiar with it
  • Orientation
  • Onboarding
    • This could be done solo or with a group of other new employees
  • Administrative Tasks
  • Intros
  • You aren’t expected to retain everything that you learn on day one!

What to Expect in Your First Week

  • Take notes, actively participate, ask questions
  • Get to know your team
  • Learn your resources

What to Expect in Your First Month

  • You should be more familiar and comfortable with the resources
  • Start to settle into a routine
    • Know what works for you and what doesn’t
  • Learn your strengths on your team
  • Build more of a relationship with your direct supervisor

What to Expect in Your First Few Months

  • Learn how to receive and implement all types of feedback
  • Start taking more ownership, but still ask questions
  • Take any opportunity there is to learn
  • Be reliable – Do what you say you are going to do.

How to Earn a Promotion

  • Continue to learn about the company and your position
  • Do your current job well and grow your reputation
  • Avoid focusing too much on your next opportunity and losing focus on the “now”
  • Volunteer for projects and say yes to opportunities that interest you
  • Be a team player
  • Talk to your manager about your goals
  • Be accurate, reliable, and continue to stretch your knowledge
  • Build relationships with others at the company

What if the job isn’t a good fit?

  • Give it some time: The first few weeks can be overwhelming and stressful. Allow yourself time to understand the company, your role, and expectations.
  • Reflect: Where is the source of your dissatisfaction coming from? Identify what it is that you don’t like.
  • Network: Building relationships within the company can be very beneficial and lead to other opportunities internally if you still like the company and want to stay there.
  • Continue to use this experience to learn what you can while you’re there.
  • Remember to stay professional while trying to navigate this.
  • Most people’s first jobs are not their forever jobs – you know what’s best for you.
By Mandy Laporte
Mandy Laporte Career Specialist, Employer Relations and Coaching