Surviving your First Weeks at a New Job

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After finishing up my first week at a new job, I feel like it's the perfect time to reflect on surviving at a new job. Whether it's your first job out of college, or your tenth, the first week is always stressful. It can be anxiety-ridden to meet and work with all new people and manage new expectations.

I have found countless articles and advice columns on the best ways to survive at a new job. Though everyone has a unique experience, I think the MOST important thing when starting a new job is to quickly learn everyone's name and role in the company. If you are bad at names, find some strategy that will help you with this task. People, in any career field, are impressed when you remember their names quickly. Also, learn who the gossips are and who is part of a clique. I won't say to steer clear of these folks - you can listen in to their conversations, but don't offer your opinion when you are new. If you can avoid it, stay out of all office drama even when you've been there a while.

Though my advice is based only on my personal experiences, I have learned a great deal at four different jobs. I still like reading about others' experiences in the work world. It helps me when I'm anxious about a situation and I think it can help you, too. I enjoy this article because the writer is young and I think it will provide good insight to my readers. If you're the newest co-worker and one of the youngest people at your company, it can be intimidating. Try to act professional without getting in over your head. (My advice: ask for help when you're confused!) In addition to asking for help, remember who has helped you and help those people when they are overwhelmed.

This article offers advice from someone who has work experience. Steve Tobak reflects on what he learned along the way. It's always great to listen to someone who has experienced what you will experience.

What have you learned along the way? Let me know.

Amy M worked in corporate public relations for three years before returning to graduate school to become an English and Social Studies teacher. She is also a freelance writer for CollegeJobBank.Com. In her free time, Amy likes to practice yoga. She is a self-proclaimed 'American history nerd.' Read more of her blogs at collegejobbankblog.com. Find jobs and other information at Nexxt.
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