This week I will embark on a journey we each encounter at some point: the start of a new job. Since I've started a few different jobs, I know there's a typical adjustment period. Since I've started teaching, I've learned that you can't really plan for something since you don't know your students. This is where the problems come in. I'm a planner and always have been and starting a new job is taking a leap of faith.
How do we prepare for the corporate (or non-profit) culture and the politics that are at play in a new company? There are many helpful resources I found but ultimately you have to do what is best for you. My biggest piece of advice is to (try)to go with the flow. If you're a control freak by nature, this will be tough but you don't want to come across as too rigid (particularly if the atmosphere tells you otherwise).
This article gives great advice about how to prepare for your first day. I think it's important to keep a healthy perspective. There will be a learning curve and you will feel overwhelmed. Some companies might throw you into the thick of things and that's OK, but make sure you are learning what to do at the same time. If there is no formal training it can be tough so ask questions of your superiors. Try not to align yourself with any one group before understanding the company as a whole.
Of course, I'm trying to follow all these tips myself. Next time I will let you know how well they worked out for me.
Amy M. worked in corporate public relations for three years before returning to graduate school to become an English teacher. She is also a freelance writer for CollegeJobBank.Com. Her strengths include: drafting speeches, writing talking points for media interviews, making corporate presentations, and writing for publications. Read more of her blogs at collegejobbankblog.com. Find jobs and other information at Nexxt.
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