New Internship or Career: Here’s How to Ace the First Few Weeks

New Internship or CareerAre you finally ready for your first job? How would you set yourself up for success and be unique as an intern or a newly hired employee?

Here are some strategies to help you accelerate in your new role:

Ask About the Orientation Process

This should happen right before you start on the job so you’ll have ample time to prepare. Don’t hesitate to ask ahead of time if there are any aspects of orientation you can go through before your first day. If you get to start paperwork and other clerical work before your first day, you’ll be more productive from the moment you set foot in the company.

Focus on the Simple Stuff

Let your family and friends know that they won’t be able to get a hold of you easily while you’re working. For a smooth transition, make sure you’re focused on the small things to learn the pace, rhythm, and particulars of your new environment. Don’t forget to bring a notepad, pen, phone charger and easy-to eat-snacks for your break time.

Be Prepared

Some companies may have a staff shortage (and work surplus) so be prepared to be flexible when it comes to supplies, breaks and lunches. You need to be willing to adjust to the company’s environment if you want to grow as an employee.

Write Things Down

Don’t be sh embarrassed to bring a notepad with you everywhere you go. You’ll need to jot down important points—You may forget vital details during your first week. The first week is hard for everyone. Taking good notes will make a big difference.

Clarify

If your mentor explains a new process, make sure to write down the key components, ask about the timeline for completion and make sure you understand what is being asked of you. If something doesn’t go as planned, ask how you can handle the situation professionally. Don’t sit idle during your first week. Make sure to focus on progress and be productive, even if you’re a newbie employee.

Be Careful

Make sure to find out everything you need to know and that you’re realistically confident in your abilities before taking over a task. Mind your communication, think through your approach and assess. Ask questions and keep taking notesto prevent being misinterpreted. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from a colleague.

Plan your first week at work thoroughly so that you can make a great first impression.Getting through a challenging first week and beyond will help you transition smoothly and advance your career.

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Alan Carniol

Alan is the creator of Interview Success Formula, a training program that has helped more than 80,000 job seekers to ace their interviews and land the jobs they deserve. Interviewers love asking curveball questions to weed out job seekers. But the truth is, most of these questions are asking about a few key areas. Learn more about how to outsmart tough interviewers by watching this video.