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New Job Advice

V

vorbb

macrumors member
Original poster
Aug 18, 2010
47
0
Hey guys,

I'm 18. Today I got a new job; I start monday. My only work experience has been in restaurants, so this is a fairly big change for me. I'm going to be a junior programmer and tech support/IT guy for a small (about 20-25 people) tech company.

Anyways, I'm basically just looking for general advice; what do you wish someone told you when you first started working in a business setting?

Thanks guys!
 
make sure you watch college football and/or nfl games so you can join in on conversations.

i would say 99% of the offices out there chat about that stuff 99% of the time lol
 
I've read some books on this kind of stuff.
The first 90 days of a new job are the most important, so be sure to appear eager and attentive. Show up a little early and stay a little late.
 
nizz said:
make sure you watch college football and/or nfl games so you can join in on conversations.

i would say 99% of the offices out there chat about that stuff 99% of the time lol
Click to expand...

quoted for truth. Honestly, just be open and make friends since you will be spending a lot of time with your co-workers. At my job its prob 40% actually work and 60% b.s'ing w/ everyone (its usually pretty slow).
 
RITZFit said:
quoted for truth. Honestly, just be open and make friends since you will be spending a lot of time with your co-workers. At my job its prob 40% actually work and 60% b.s'ing w/ everyone (its usually pretty slow).
Click to expand...

Hmm, alright. Working in a sports bar, and being a fairly avid sports-better, I should fit in pretty good :p

They have some big plans for me, I hope I meet their expectations!

One thing I'm kind of concerned about is the fact that they're planning on sending me on a business trip two weeks after I start. Of course, it's not very far, but they're sending me on a two hour train ride to the head office for a couple days; alone.

Pretty scary stuff.
 
vorbb said:
One thing I'm kind of concerned about is the fact that they're planning on sending me on a business trip two weeks after I start. Of course, it's not very far, but they're sending me on a two hour train ride to the head office for a couple days; alone.

Pretty scary stuff.
Click to expand...

Don't sweat it. They wouldn't spend the money if you didn't deserve it. Walk around the head office like you are supposed to be there, because you are. Congratulations on the new job and I am sure you will do fine.
 
nizz said:
make sure you watch college football and/or nfl games so you can join in on conversations.

i would say 99% of the offices out there chat about that stuff 99% of the time lol
Click to expand...

You haven't spent much time (if any) in IT, huh?

OP, what is your background in programming/IT?
 
calderone said:
You haven't spent much time (if any) in IT, huh?

OP, what is your background in programming/IT?
Click to expand...

I don't really have a professional background. I'm currently taking a year off between high school and a Computer Science program in University. I'm excellent with computers, and have experience in Systems Administration and some basic programming experience.

They're basically treating it as a Co-Op position, but out of school. They're technically an environmental company, so the government is subsidizing part of my salary. That's why they're hiring me with no formal experience.

Big Dave said:
Don't sweat it. They wouldn't spend the money if you didn't deserve it. Walk around the head office like you are supposed to be there, because you are. Congratulations on the new job and I am sure you will do fine.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the advice and kind words!
 
Drama follows you everywhere. Seems the older they get the more drama there is and politics are alive and well.

Work hard, keep your nose down but up just enough to make nice nice and don't get too cocky.
 
word of the wise is stay out of office gossip and do not join in. Listening in to it is one thing but do not spread it around or add to it. never talk bad about a co-worker because it can easily come back to bit you in the rear later.
 
jessica. said:
Drama follows you everywhere. Seems the older they get the more drama there is and politics are alive and well.

Work hard, keep your nose down but up just enough to make nice nice and don't get too cocky.
Click to expand...

Rodimus Prime said:
word of the wise is stay out of office gossip and do not join in. Listening in to it is one thing but do not spread it around or add to it. never talk bad about a co-worker because it can easily come back to bit you in the rear later.
Click to expand...

Seems like good advice. I've been in for two interviews and a tour/meet-and-greet, and everyone seems really great and likeable and friendly. I don't imagine there will be too much negative drama and gossip, but if there is, I'll surely stay out of it.
 
heehee said:
Nothing, think basement and gaming. :D

That is of course a stereotype. :p

Oh and congratulations on the job, just be yourself. :)
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Thanks!

It's funny that you said that. During my initial interview, me and the guy that will be my boss got in to a fairly heated discussion over the merits of the FAMAS vs. the M16 in Modern Warfare 2 :rolleyes:
 
Be friendly, trustworthy, diligent, responsible, and thorough. Basically, let your work speak for you. Avoid unnecessary conflict (which includes the gossip advice already mentioned) and listen, listen, listen.

No matter what field you are in or where you work, employment will bring with it challenges and stress. Keep your focus on the parts of your job that you like and don't dwell on things you don't like or get caught up in negativity. You'll enjoy your work much more if you can do this.

Last, maintain healthy boundaries between work and personal matters. You need to have time physically and emotionally away from your job, don't let them negatively interfere with each other. But, keep in mind that this is a two way street, do your best not to let personal matters interefere with work either.

Congrats on the position. Best wishes to your enjoyment and your success. :)
 
Thats good advice, but Id also say to extend that attitude beyond 90 days..

Also, at least in the short term dont second guess your boss no matter how stupid you think something they ask you to do is. I know theres probably a fineline here, but often a boss/supervisor will have you do stupid, mundane tasks at first just to see what your work ethic is like..

Dress like everyone else, if its casual dress casual, but not too casual, if its professional dress professional.

Bathe and shave everyday, youd be surprised how many people I see (and smell) daily at my corporate pharma job that dont do this.

Dont wear tons of cologne/aftershave, especially if its a small office situation.

ABove all be nice... :)

I could go on, but they key thing is, especially since its a small company is to work hard, try and fit in, and not make yourself stand out.

Later on, (like 6 months to a year) when you have shown that you are competent you can start to "challenge" your boss.




Big Dave said:
I've read some books on this kind of stuff.
The first 90 days of a new job are the most important, so be sure to appear eager and attentive. Show up a little early and stay a little late.
Click to expand...
 
New one

I think your advice is not bad. I've been in for two interviews and a tour/meet-and-greet, and everyone seems really great and likeable and friendly.
 
Rodimus Prime said:
word of the wise is stay out of office gossip and do not join in. Listening in to it is one thing but do not spread it around or add to it. never talk bad about a co-worker because it can easily come back to bit you in the rear later.
Click to expand...

Amen. Its a small office, but still large enough for people to talk.

Its a small group and you're the new guy. Listen and join into the conversation if invited but don't be to eager to make everyone your friend.

Take time to gauge the personalities of the people you work. What you find funny, they may not. What you find offensive, they might support. The last thing you want to do is make yourself the outsider right from the start.

You have two ears and only one mouth. Use one twice as much as the other.

And good luck, sounds like a great opportunity.
 
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