3-28-2024 7:49am

4 Ways to Prepare for Your New Jobs

Ypsilanti PressLLC Editor

Congratulations! You have been offered -- and have officially accepted -- a new position. Your search is finally over, and your career is moving forward. You have worked hard to get to this milestone moment, and I hope you've taken the time to celebrate.

As your official start date approaches, though, it isn't unusual to feel a bit uncertain. You will likely be on a new campus with new colleagues and a whole new role or set of responsibilities, so you may be wondering how to get off to a strong start.

The good news is that there are several simple things you can do to lay the groundwork for success:

1. Familiarize yourself with the physical layout of campus and various resources on campus

We all have our areas of expertise on campus (and for good reason). If you've just been hired, you are no doubt good at what you do, but remember that siloing yourself can be dangerous. Today, more than ever, students are counting on guidance to help them navigate the challenges of both academia and life. Knowing where you can refer students is a skill that is highly recommended for academic advisors, but it can be helpful in any role. Keep doing the stellar work in your area of expertise, but be sure to prepare for other scenarios that may require triage and consultation with other offices and resources on campus.

In the weeks leading up to your start date, take the time to visit campus (or at least study the campus map) so that you can provide directions if necessary. Look over the campus offices to get a feel for what's available in case a student approaches you for support.

While you're looking at the map, think about what you may need on campus (lunch? coffee? HR office?). Make a mental note of some key locations so that you can navigate the campus with ease.

2. Prepare a list of questions for HR

Starting a new job means navigating a lot of unknowns, which can be overwhelming for anyone. There may be new hire paperwork to fill out, insurance to set up, dress codes to abide by, parking information to be aware of, etc. Making a list of questions for HR, or your supervisor, may help to ease your mind and help you feel more prepared for the first day. There may be questions that you need to email ahead of your start date, such as:

Where do I park on the first day?
Where do I report to when I arrive?
What time should I arrive?
Are there forms that need to be completed in advance?
Is there anything I should prepare for regarding onboarding?

Others may be able to wait until you're on campus, such as:

Who should I make time to meet with this week?
How do you prefer I communicate with you -- email or in person?

While other questions are bound to arise, having a place to start will position you for a less stressful first day.

3. Revisit the institutional mission and goals

"Researching the institution becomes paramount in understanding its mission, values, and strategic priorities," said Jennifer Lee Magas, MA, JD, assistant professor of practice at Texas Tech University and vice president of Magas Media Consultants, LLC. "Familiarizing oneself with the specific department or unit, its goals, and recent initiatives lays the groundwork for effective collaboration."

What did you learn about your new institution/department's mission and goals during the interview phase? What are their philosophies regarding students and how they operate? Continue your own research and learning as you prepare for your first days and weeks on campus.

"Every institution is unique and has its own vision for students and philosophies on education," says Connor Martin, who recently started a new job at the University of Cincinnati Online as a SEO specialist. "Knowing that information will help you get into the mindset for success in your position."

Consider how you can contribute and any changes you may need to make in your mindset and typical processes in order to be successful. Other questions that you may want to consider include:

What projects are currently in progress that I can help move along?
Where do I see myself making the biggest impact?
Are there gaps that I may be able to help fill?

Reflecting on these questions and setting internal goals for yourself helps guide you early on. Of course, you will want to make sure that the goals you set for yourself align with those of the role and that your supervisor sets for you.

"Set achievable short-term goals for your first few weeks to track your progress and focus your efforts," recommends Chuky Ofoegbu, founder of Sojourning Scholar, which helps international students seek education in the U.S. "If possible, reach out to your future supervisor or colleagues beforehand to inquire about any preparatory work."

4. Plan out your morning and your commute to campus

Yes, this might seem like common sense, but it's worth a reminder. How your morning begins can set the tone for your whole day. Some of us (like me) have the best intentions of being early or on time but have a bad habit of running late regardless. Allot more time than you think you will need to get ready for the day and get to campus (whether walking, driving, or taking public transportation). By allowing yourself more time, you can avoid the extra stress and panic that might ensue if your breakfast order takes longer than expected, you get lost, or you hit traffic. If you get to campus early, treat yourself to a coffee or enjoy a few minutes taking in the campus and the feeling of this fresh start in your career.

First impressions matter, so plan accordingly for your early days in your new role.

Note: Even if you are starting a remote position, there are several things to consider in the days leading up to your start date. If you haven't been working remotely, do you have the appropriate desk, set-up, and technology you need? Are you adequately prepared for video calls if your position requires regular video meetings? Here are some tips for setting up your virtual workspace. Additionally, have you considered your morning routines and everything you need to take care of personally in order to get to your desk a few minutes before your true start time?

Final Words

Starting a new job is both exciting and intimidating, but with plenty of preparation, you can set yourself on the right path. You've got this!

By:Leah Jackson