Step 5.2 | CDM | Career Services | University of Waterloo

After you have successfully completed those critical steps to finding your job (whether paid or volunteer), there are steps to take to ensure that it will be a pleasant experience. During your first few weeks or months you will go through an orientation and probation period. No matter what your experience, any new job can be tiring at the start. Everything is new and there is much to learn. You will also be meeting many new people. Plan for this transition by allowing adequate leisure time and by taking care of your health needs. These changes can be overwhelming, particularly if you haven’t prepared for them.

If this is your first year as a professional, this is a time of major transition. While having a job gives you a chance to put into use what you have learned and to earn income, it also brings many challenges and lifestyle changes. You may find that you have to work harder the first year. Be open to learning both about your actual work and about the broader company. The following two sections are designed to help you develop your professionalism and learn from your experience.

Understanding Work Environments - Geoffrey Hunter, University of Waterloo Co-op Student (1:40) (Note: You will need Windows Media Player 7* or better to view video clips)*
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Developing Your Professionalism

Interpersonal Skills

Make it your goal to work well with others and to maintain a good relationship with your boss and co-workers; avoid confrontations
Do not make criticisms about the job or other employers in public
Be patient not only with your co-workers and boss but also with the tasks associated with your job
Learn to listen to those around you; take the time to comprehend fully and assimilate their requests or instructions
Be sensitive to others; do not gossip
Keep a sense of humour but make sure it's appropriate humour; avoid profanity
Treat others and their experience with respect

Having Confidence - Dr. Ray Clement, Senior Research Scientist, Ontario Ministry of the Environment (0:34) (Note: You will need Windows Media Player 7* or better to view video clips)*
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Competence

Set rigorous standards for yourself
Create a positive first impression
Improve your skills, especially in oral and written communication (no matter what your actual work or field)
Ask questions or research answers if you're not sure so as not to proceed in error
Admit and learn from mistakes and accept suggestions for improvement
Ensure your training program is relevant and in sufficient depth to enable you to perform up to expectations in your position
Take extra courses or training outside of work on your own time
Master technology; keep your skills current
Show initiative
Make suggestions respectfully
Work extra hard
Volunteer for committees or projects to become noticed and recognized

Dependability

Don’t take on more than you can handle; know your limits
Be prompt in getting reports or assignments finished - excuses are not acceptable
Arrive on time for work, meetings and appointments
Do whatever you say you will do (e.g., phone calls, memos, etc.)

Time Management

Do not procrastinate; prioritize your tasks
Identify your best time for working on challenging tasks (i.e., a.m., p.m.) and plan accordingly
Master the flood of information you will get every day
Use commuting time for learning activities
Use goal setting and planning skills
Always account for the reality that there will be distractions - plan for them!

Compatibility

Participate in social activities so that others can get to know you better but keep your actions and reputation in mind
Avoid internal office politics while realizing they are very much a reality
Maintain discretion in the amount of socializing on work time
Wear appropriate clothing; observe the attire of others who are where you want to be in your career
Value your role as an effective team player
Do not talk too much about your previous jobs or activities

Remember to ask for help when you need it. And most importantly, have realistic expectations about the job before you start.

Office Gossip - Kendra Schott, University of Waterloo Co-op Student (1:01) (Note: You will need Windows Media Player 7* or better to view video clips)*
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For further information refer to:

Ed Holton. The Ultimate New Employee Survival Guide. Princeton, New Jersey. Peterson’s. 1998.

s	Office Politics (est. 30-45 min.) See if you have what it takes to make it to the top in this interactive case study!

To continue with Step 5.3, click here.