5 Tips to Success When Starting a New Job in STEM

Starting a new job can be daunting, no matter your experience. It’s important to remember that while feeling nervous on the first day is normal, there are ways to manage your emotions and ensure you start on the right foot.

The key is to prepare in advance and plan for any possible scenarios that may arise. It's natural to feel anxious when you're about to enter a new environment and meet unfamiliar people. The pressure to perform, meet expectations, and get to know your new colleagues can weigh on your shoulders.

However, it's important to remember that the company hired you because they believe you are the right person for the job. They wouldn't have chosen you if they hadn't thought so. Therefore, try to take comfort in knowing that your future colleagues believe in your abilities and potential.

In this article, we will provide 5 top tips to help guide you when starting a new job.

1. Research

It's important to do your research beforehand to ensure you hit the ground running and make the most of the opportunity. 

Find out as much as you can about the company you’re joining. Read their website and look for reviews from their clients and employees. Additionally, you can look up your new colleagues’ LinkedIn profiles to get an idea of the office culture, dress code, and work environment. This way, you can get a better knowledge of the expectations and standards of the company. 

Next, research your role. Make sure you understand what is expected of you, the responsibilities involved, and how you’ll be assessed. By taking the time to understand what's expected of you and what your responsibilities will entail, you'll be able to stay focused and on track. You'll also be able to develop a plan of action to ensure you successfully meet the requirements of the role.

Finally, research the industry you’re entering. Read news articles, blogs, and industry reports to get an understanding of the current trends and developments. This will help you understand the sector and how your role fits into it.

Doing your research before you start your new job can make all the difference in your success.

2. Communication

The best way to make a good first impression is to be communicative, friendly, and enthusiastic. 

It's important to take the time to introduce yourself to the people you don't know yet, as it helps build relationships and sets the tone for your new position.

Introducing yourself in a professional setting can be difficult. It’s important to wait until the correct moment to do so. When introducing yourself, pay attention to your colleagues’ responses. If they appear open to getting to know you, take the opportunity to make a great first impression. Ask the other person about themselves and show your willingness to listen to what they have to say. If they look distracted, keep the conversation brief. By being conscious and understanding of their distractions, you can ensure that you are both respectful of each other's time.

3. Punctuality 

Showing up late on your first day to a new job can make a wrong impression and affect how you are perceived by your colleagues in the workplace. It can also create an impression that you don’t take your job seriously or value the time of other colleagues, which can lead to long-term consequences.

To avoid this, it's important to plan your commute ahead of time and account for possible traffic jams, getting lost on the way, and public transport delays. 

Doing so will guarantee that you arrive at work on time and show your employer that you are serious about the job, forming a good impression from day one. 

4. Flexibility

Starting a new job can be an intimidating experience, especially when you’re first starting out. 

To allow yourself to succeed, it is important to allow some flexibility in the early stages of the role. This can help you feel comfortable in your new work environment, as well as give you time to learn and grow in your new position.

Flexibility can come in many forms, such as adjusting deadlines or workloads, allowing for flexible hours, or requesting additional resources for training and development. By allowing this flexibility during the onboarding process, you can equip yourself with the best chance of success in your new role.

5. Ask questions

You want to appear competent and confident when beginning a new job, but you also need to be sure that you understand the expectations of the job. 

It's important to not to be afraid of asking questions when you're starting out as it’s the best way for you to become comfortable with your role and understand how things work. It will also help demonstrate that you are capable of taking on responsibility and ensure that you can do your best work and make the most out of your new role. 

Knowing when and how to ask questions is key, as it can help build trust with colleagues and prove that you are willing to learn and grow in the position. Being able to ask the right questions will show that you are efficient when taking initiative and are confident in your abilities. Asking questions is a great way to show you are eager to learn and take on challenges.

Ready to accelerate your career? 

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• 3 Keys to Developing a Career in STEM
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• How to Answer Interview Questions: Your Guide to What Interviewers Are Looking For