Job Search, Networking, Interviews and Your First Job

Have an open mind. I ended up with a completely different job than I thought I would have, and I ended up loving it. ’16

Network and keep going. If you don’t try you won’t succeed. If you don’t stay consistent you won’t succeed. Vanderbilt set you up for success! ’22

Leverage all your networks—friends, family, classmates, alumni. ’20

Have a game plan ahead of time - don't be a mile wide inch deep. Prep accordingly to the interviews - if IB, then IB technical and behavioral. Consulting - case study work. It's difficult and not time and effort efficient to try and prep for every industry. ‘22

Try your best to apply to pipeline programs (internship to full time position) early as you can in your college career. At the same time, definitely don't settle on the first opportunity you're presented with if it's not the right fit, but the peace of mind you can get from knowing your next steps allows you to breathe the last year of college. ‘21

Try to find a place with good people who want to help you grow. That is way more important than being just a name when you’re starting out. ’17

Take advantage of the alumni network! The Alumni Association maintains a database of alumni who have signed up to be career advisers, and they are such an amazing resource to help you get a better understanding of what it’s like to work for their companies and can oftentimes provide invaluable referrals. ’16

Try to constantly connect with new people from companies you are (or may be) interested in. Ultimately, people hire PEOPLE, not resumes. If you want to avoid resume black holes, it’s a lot easier when you have a personal connection. ’19

Be present in the moment don't focus on what's ahead or yet to be but remain focused on the now. ‘23

Don't be scared to ask for help and networking opportunities to your advisors. ‘23

Be persistent! Use little blocks of time to search for and apply to jobs. Don't give up! ‘24

Make connections! The relationship you make will last.’23

Get out of your comfort zone, because opportunities show up when you are willing to open up. This means staying open to industries or locations that you previously would not have considered. ’19

Browse through the Career Center openings! Additionally for pre-meds looking for gap-year experiences, check out HPAO listserv for job postings. ’19

Apply everywhere and get interview experience. Be picky once you get offers. ’20

Your resume will only take you so far, networking is incredibly important and try to find common ground - either professional or personal - with anyone you talk with. ‘20

You don't have to have it all figured out right out of the gate. Find something that interests you. Let that be your guide for your first job or two. Don't worry about pay initially. It will all sort itself out as you work hard and develop a strong reputation. ‘22

Make sure you pick the firm as much as the firm picks you. I cannot emphasize enough how much culture and the people you work with play a huge role in your happiness with work and your job. Make sure to understand the culture before joining. ‘24

Take a chance! You never know what life might have in store for you after college. It's okay to fail in these early years because you never know where you might succeed. ‘22

Step 1: Get an initial answer of what is important to you in a job (e.g., W/L balance, team environment, social impact, etc.) and make a list of companies / organizations / positions that could potential fit that bucket
Step 2: Find people in your grade or the grades above who have worked within that list and ask them about their experience to see if it matches your criteria. Ask them for the "inside scoop" and day-to-day experience.
Step 3: Make sure you are prepared to apply and interview when the time comes. ‘23

Keep your network alive by checking in with both tutors and classmates. ‘23

Your first job isn't your last. If you don't find one you love, it's okay to opt for one that gives you the experience and a network you can use as a stepping stone. ‘24

Think about the people that fascinate you whether you know them personally or not and look at their career path. Try to pursue opportunities that will get you similar skills and networks as those individuals. Focus less on the name of the organization and more about the impact you may have. ‘24

Reach out to as many people and send cold emails. It never hurts to make the connection, do the interview, offer to do the task no one else wants to do. ’20

I’d argue that an employer’s culture is the most important part of the job search. You should feel empowered to have standards in the process! A great boss (and team) is invested in your growth, and you as a person, not just what you can produce. ’20

Be patient and reach out to people you, your family, or your friends may know in the industry you are interested in. ’17

Apply now, decide later! The job hunt is a numbers game. Spread your network, focus on getting referrals at the companies you care most about, and try to focus on the factors in YOUR control. ’22

Talk to people! Anyone from college friends to former project team members, to mentors to alumni you stumble upon on LinkedIn—these people can be valuable resources who can give you a great idea of what their jobs are like. ’17

Apply for any and all jobs that you’re interested in; don’t limit yourself to what it feels like everyone else around you is applying for. ’18

If you’re looking for a new job, be vocal about it! You never know who will become a vital part of your network. ’20

Make sure you attend the networking events and career fairs if you have the time. Don't be afraid to reach out to old professors or even cold call/email companies. ’23

Don’t be afraid to reach out to both current professors and alumni. I just landed my dream job by calling an alumna of my law school who was a former research assistant for one of my current professors. She put in a good word for me, even though we had never talked before, and I got an offer the next day! ’17

It’s better to design your resume individually based on the job you apply for rather than bombarding emails to every contact you can find. ’16

Send thank you notes to recruiters and interviewers, especially if you didn’t get the job. It shows a lot of grace and tenacity to do this, and it shows that you care about your own personal development more than a job title or the prestige from a company’s name. ‘21

This might be a bit different since I am in grad school, but I tried to reach out to potential advisors individually. I cold-emailed people early in my senior year to introduce myself, mention my work/connection at Vanderbilt, express my interest in their work, and ask if they'd be able to meet over Zoom. I got a lot of responses and had a ton of meetings, both with advisors and some of their current PhD students. This was great, since when my official application rolled in toward the end of the semester, they recognized my name. I got invited to the prospective student visitation weekends for pretty much every school I applied to, and I feel informed about key people in my field. ’23

Know yourself. Don’t apply for jobs that you do not want, spend time getting to know what you need/expect from a job and look there. Money isn’t everything either. ’18

Keep an open mind. Identify your strongest skills, skills you want to develop, and what type of work makes you happy. Look for jobs that take advantage of your current skill set, give you opportunities to expand/enhance your skill set and allow you to do the type of work that makes you feel fulfilled. ’18

Go to events in industries or areas that even slightly interest you and meet the people who do that work. Ask them about the day-to-day, but also what their life is like and how their co-workers are. If you feel comfortable or excited about the holistic experience, that is a career worth exploring. Do not be afraid to simply ask how to get experience, who is hiring, or what positions are available. The more interest you express, the more you are likely to find all available opportunities. ’21

Leverage your network! Take people out to coffee and ask them for advice. Also, prepare thoughtful questions for each interview and always send a thank you note. Be confident in what you bring to the table and negotiate always! ‘20

Be open to anything! It's not important to find your "dream job" right off-the-bat. What's important is to get out there and start adding different experiences to your resume. My biggest search advice would be to leverage 2nd, 3rd, or even distant connections for contacts. I got my first job from a 3rd connection on LinkedIn (and the connections didn't even really know each other). They kept putting me in contact with other people, and I kept calling people to ask for career advice--that eventually led me up to being a hiring manager! Keep connecting! ‘15

Look for a job that reflects your interests, values and strengths. Don’t be afraid to reach out to alumni and family friends to learn more about what their work is actually like, because oftentimes descriptions of positions will sound similar to one another. ’21

When applying to jobs, look for ones that are recently posted within the past week to maximize your chances. When you've found a company that you are interested in, reach out to a Vandy alum that works there to connect and chat with. ‘23

Use your Vanderbilt alumni network for informational interviews to figure out what jobs you may be interested in. ’21

Talk to Vanderbilt Alumni who are in career positions you aspire to be even if it's in the long term to see how they got there. There are so many ways to achieve your dream job, and not getting the so-called "best first job" does not mean you cannot reach your goal. ‘23

Consistency is the key, and always being open to feedback will help a long way in attaining your dream job. The strategies that helped me find my spot after graduating from Vandy are networking, being proactive in job search and starting early. ’22

Look for a job where you can grow. Work culture is huge and makes a difference in a job experience. Talk to people who work there now to hear their experiences. ‘23

Don’t be afraid to experiment. Interviewing for jobs you’d never imagined could help you find the dream job you never knew you wanted or just give you some good interview practice. I interviewed for a tradeshow management role at a tech company on a whim and I have been there for two years! ’17

LinkedIn: Search for alumni at companies you're interested in. Message them to connect, talk, & learn more about them. ‘21

Networking is not organic for everyone, but it’s necessary in today’s environment to ensure career mobility and advancement. If it’s not naturally your thing, practice with some friends and then attend some sort of networking activity so you don’t become nervous with a 1:1 coffee meeting. ’16

Be sure to have your address updated in the Vanderbilt alumni network. Chances are there are tons of cool events happening in your city. Just be sure to take the time to go to a few! ’16

I’ve actually made meaningful connections on flights and waiting in line for events. Organic conversations are important, especially because it feels less forced for both sides. ’16

LinkedIn Premium is a must when very actively networking, cold emailing is good as a secondary method. ‘22

Vanderbilt has a sprawling LinkedIn network of passionate alumni eager to help current students out! ‘22

Don’t be afraid to reach out to seemingly distant connections (friends of friends, LinkedIn Vanderbilt grads, residents at programs of interest). You’ll be shocked at how willing people who barely or don’t know you are to share information and help you on your journey. I am always thrilled when people reach out to ask me about medical school or residency and I have developed close mentorship relationships this way. ’18

Anytime you show up for an event, whether it's in your personal life or professional life, try to connect with 2 new people! ‘23

Be with people. Don't worry about trying to be something you're not. It's amazing the doors that will open simply by having met someone. ‘22

Utilize the Vanderbilt alumni network! Referrals can get you in the door (and into an interview seat) at a company, and the best way to find referrals is through informational interviews. Invest in a LinkedIn Premium subscription, reach out to alums in cool positions at cool companies, and ask for 20 minutes of their time to speak on the phone about their position.

Come from a place of genuine interest and have questions ready! ’18

Showing up is half the battle. Even if you don’t feel up for it, force yourself to go to career fairs and recruiting events. At best you’ll walk out with a lead, and at worst you’ll walk out with more networking experience to make next time easier. ’18

I love the Vandy networking sessions, but a lot of cities have fun networking events that you can find through the Facebook events discover page! ’17

Using LinkedIn as well as reaching out to alums from student organizations and clubs you are involved in on campus. Once you reach out to one, they can help introduce you to more people. ‘23

Find a commonality with the person you are reaching out to, whether it be Vanderbilt, a specific club (e.g., DSP, AKPsi), a shared hometown, or a shared interest (e.g., water security). Share that commonality and truly look to just learn and absorb - DO NOT make the interactions transactional - be genuine.  ‘23

I really found LinkedIn to be the best way! Don't hesitate to reach out especially to Vandy alums. ‘23

It helped to talk with people I already knew who were in the field. It felt less intimidating, and I could get my name out there. It also helped to have a mentor who was well connected because he introduced me to a lot of other educators. ‘22

Some of the best networking conversations I've had were those with a strong connection to Vanderbilt. Alumni or professionals that wanted to give back because they had a great experience with their clubs, internships, sports, or even study abroad. Try to find those individuals by seeing who comes back to campus for alumni panels or is still involved in some way. ‘24

Keep a running tab of who you are connecting with. As you change jobs or meet new people, continue to reach out to your contacts from time-to-time to check in and keep that connection alive. I learned a lot this way, and you never know what doors might open. Even within my own company, networking with people in other business units (i.e. I emailed them to say I'd love to learn more about what they do) led me to the job I have now, and I love it! ‘15

Learn the distinction between peer networking and mentor networking. The first is for sharing experiences with people in similar situations, the latter is for learning how to grow and meet long- term goals. ’18

Do a structured LinkedIn stalk. Look for Vandy alumni, your high school alumni, people who worked at a company you interned with. It is much more likely for someone to get back to you if there is a point of natural connection. ’20

I liked going to small career center events, it made it a little bit easier to get to know company representatives. ‘23

Networking is all about give and take. Be sure it’s not a one-sided relationship. ’17

Talk to your professors, mentors, PIs, or anyone you worked for or with at Vanderbilt if you like the work you’ve done with them. ’19

Talk to friends and family. Everyone knows someone who could potentially be an asset. ’21

One of the best ways to network is to involve yourself in the alumni community. You’re now a part of a vast, diverse, global alumni community that is eager to see you succeed. ’20

Quality over quantity. While widespread awareness of who people are is almost certainly helpful, I have found that deep, meaningful relationships generally lead to more relevant connections and opportunities. ’18

Go out and make friends. When you email a professor or alumnus, think about being friends with them. The best thing I have found in building a good network is truly being invested in the life of the person I am speaking with. Talk about kids, sports, hobbies, as well as work. Also, in person events are more impactful than emails or phone calls. Show up and shake hands. You are more memorable that way and make better connections with others. ’21

Lean on your Vanderbilt network to help you expand your non -Vanderbilt network ‘23

The same way you meet people in college: Take a class in something that interests you. Join sports groups. Theater groups. Go to social functions. Whatever it is, just put yourself in situations where the people you’d want to meet would be there too. ’18

People can tell when you’re being ungenuine. So, when you strike up a conversation or reach out, be polite but don’t be superficial. ’20

I believe that networking can be done anywhere and everywhere. There are people around   to help if ‘asked for’. Networking can be done in social gatherings, with friends, via LinkedIn, like literally anytime. The best way is just to reach out! Start talking folks! Try to connect with humans with similar interests. ’22

LinkedIn and my Vanderbilt connections have been the most valuable. ’18

What I have found to be the best way of networking is my place of employment, LinkedIn, and through my peers. ’21

Research the company beforehand. ’22

Dress for success. Speak with confidence. Don’t come across as arrogant or entitled. ’17

Go over popular behavioral questions beforehand and practice out loud. ’20

I think the best thing you can do is be genuine. Especially for me, I want to not only give an honest impression of myself so as not to do my potential employer a disservice, but I also really want to know if the feeling is right. During interviews, if you don’t feel comfortable, happy, or secure, you won’t be confident or steady in the workplace either. In my opinion the most important factors in decision-making are the conversations I have with folks who are going to fill my days for the foreseeable future. Colleagues become family and you spend a lot of time with them, so don’t forget that you’re interviewing them as much as they’re interviewing you, and that you want to feel comfortable to ask questions, be challenged, and grow into yourself with that team. ’20

Mock interviews helped immensely. you might know what the answer to every question is, but enunciating your answers goes as far as knowing what to say. You can mock interview either with others or in front of a mirror but saying your answers out loud is very important. ‘22

Be yourself, Google the interview process with the company, dress your best, and find someone who's gone through the process before you and ask them exactly what their interview experience was like.’21

Be honest with yourself about who you are, what your needs are, and how you fit into the culture or mission of your desired industry. It is difficult to remember that the hiring process is a mutual interview. That is, you are also interviewing the potential place of employment to make sure that it is a good position for you and your life stage. To prepare, consider calling a trusted friend. ’17

Brush up on essential knowledge (ex: for marketing: current marketing practices, for tech: essential coding techniques, loops, or algorithms, for finance: foundational and some advanced financial models). And learn how to tell your stories. ‘21

Prepare for standard interview questions (e.g., Tell me about yourself, Why X company or X school for grad school, etc.) and practice them, speaking out loud. Look spiffy but comfortable for your interviews! (Especially over Zoom, you can wear whatever bottoms you want.) Send a thank you note to follow up! ’19

Be able to explain why you made each step in your career - not easy in the moment, but important to do when looking back. ‘20

Learn about the company. Be literate about who they are. Have a few informed questions that show the manager you've done your homework. Dress for the job you're being considered for. If you don't know something, don't pretend like you do. Admit you don't know. Ask them what they're looking for. Tell them you'll find the answer. Show initiative.’22

I was looking for software engineer roles. I worked on my resume to make it more appealing. I also tuned it to match the roles that I was applying to. I did a lot of LeetCode questions for the technical interview. I also spent a lot of time learning about the technologies specified in the job description. ‘24

Dress well, research interviewer, thoughtful questions, appear visibly intrigued. ‘23

Overprepare always. Do deep dives into deals the company worked on or their history. Practice your answers to the point they are second nature.’24

Have 4-5 strong examples of leadership, problem solving, etc. that you can mold to different questions. Know them well and be ready for follow-ups. The STAR method is useful here. Know the company you are interviewing for inside and out. Have they been in the news? Have you talked to anyone who currently / formerly worked there? What makes them unique compared to similar companies. ‘23

Before doing an interview, take a deep breath. While in the interview, make sure to highlight your strengths through stories and evidence. Show don't tell. It is also good to smile and be personable while talking with the interviewer. Dressing professionally is also important. When you finish the interview, make sure to thank your interviewer because they took time out of their busy life to talk with you. ‘22

Perspective. Read about the current trends and changes in your career field before applying.  Be confident and listen to the questions asked while in the interview. Be patient. There's a procedure and policy to just about everything. ‘20

Be yourself; don’t try to overcompensate. ’20

Wear something that makes you comfortable, this is not the time to wear something for the first time, especially shoes. ‘23

Talk to individuals who have interviewed for similar jobs. Practice independently and with other people after researching ways to improve your interview skills, catered to that position. ’21

Be consistent and communicate clearly. You are not the only one applying for the position, and it can be easy for your emails to get lost in the shuffle. Regardless of your GPA, the people that stand out in interviews are those who are poised, mature and show a desire to learn and grow. Being professional and amicable can take you a long way. ’18

Always send a thank you note. If you have only communicated with HR and don’t know how to send an email to your interviewer, ask HR and they can give you their email address or forward a note. ’17

Always send a thank you email to your interviewers to be professional. ’23

I always print and run through my resume quickly before an interview to make sure that I can provide specific details if the interviewer brings up past experience. Reach out to your recruiter beforehand and ask what the company dress code is. Email the interviewer after the interview thanking them for the opportunity! ’18

Be yourself; don’t try to overcompensate. ’20

If it's on zoom; look at your laptop camera, not the face on the screen! ‘22

Make sure you smile and don't be a robot. Bring your best self to the conversation! ‘24

Look up the company’s mission and make a story for how it aligns with your values. Be honest and be yourself! ’20

Better to overdress than underdress. Have an answer prepped for all the typical/cliche interview questions in case they ask. Work on your elevator pitch for yourself. Send a kind email later that night. ’18

Not everyone is going to like you—and that is OK! Do not take interviews that seem dry and unfruitful personally. Be a polished version of your authentic self, and an employer is sure to like you even if another does not. ’20

Be able to clearly articulate:
Why this company?
Why this job?
Why this industry? (if switching industries)
Be familiar with the company culture and try to connect with people from the company before the interview (if possible). ’19

 Be honest—don’t lie about any answer because you’ll inevitably be called out on it. Also, be a REAL person. Whenever I interview people, one of my biggest questions is: “Can I really spend eight to 10 hours a day with this person?” ’16

Read up on the company, its products and services. Google any helpful interview tips. Anticipate questions and rehearse your answers. Always have something relevant to say about the role, the company and why you’re ready to take on the challenge. ’17

Be yourself and be honest about what you want! Jobs are a two-way street. Don't change aspects about yourself in order to fit your boss's expectations or what you imagine those expectations to be. You won't enjoy your job if you have to put on a masquerade. Unless you're totally sure that your first job is going to be very temporary, try to give yourself the best shot at enjoying your work. ‘23

I always have a couple of go-to questions that I like to ask at the end of an interview including: “How will the work I’ll be doing contribute to the organization’s mission?” Also, Google Alerts is a lifesaver if you want up-to-date news about the company/org you want to work at. ’16

There are so many ways when it comes to finding the first job after graduation. Being open to feedback and learning is the strategy. Practicing generic interview questions repeatedly will help in gaining self-confidence while presenting oneself for interview. In terms of dressing, avoid bright colors and prefer light-colored clothing. Confidence and smile are the best plus points while interviewing in person. ’22

Do a lot of research on the company you’re interviewing with and on the industry. Be able to ask specific questions and understand the role that you are applying for. I totally underestimated how important this was in my job search. ’18

Practice being asked questions on the spot. You can’t seem nervous or fazed by attempts to stress you out. ’18

You are interviewing them just as much as they are interviewing you. Be curious and ask questions. Come prepared with questions and do your research on them. Before each interview, take a deep breath, say a quick prayer, and walk in with confidence. You got this! ‘22

Reach out to people working at the company you are interested in. Especially reach out to those who are Vanderbilt alumni or familiar to you for any other reason. ’18

Research the firm and make sure they do the type of work you want to do (if known). Always send a thank you email after your interview. ’18

Dress slightly above industry expectations. Keep everything as positive as possible in the interview, even when talking about challenges. Thank the interviewer and ask what else you can provide to help in the process. Remember: The interview is also for you to discover more about the company. You may do an interview and decide you do not want the job, and that is OK. It is a two-way street. Be sure to ask whatever questions you have as well. ’21

Prepare a couple of scenarios from your past experience that you can pull on if needed (e.g. a challenging time, a major success, etc.), and you can leverage these stories to answer different questions. A follow-up goes a long way! ‘15

There was a big learning curve my first month working as a resident doctor, but most of your fears are quickly dispelled. You realize how much support you have and how well prepared you are for the job by the end of the first month. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. ’18

The first three months of my job, I felt like I was floundering. Find someone, a co-worker, a person in a similar field, someone who can support you and give you advice because you will need it. ’16

Even in a fast-paced industry, it takes a little while to get in the hang of things. Don’t expect your first few months to be extremely glamorous. ’17

Initially slow but the expectation is that you do your own prep using materials that are on the drive to absorb as much as possible prior to you needing to produce actual work product. Once it started ramping up, it never stopped so it was important to pre-emptively prepare. ‘22

Very busy. Lots of documents to learn about the line of business I was supporting. Read read read. If it's a question that you can answer by reading an available resource, don’t waste your boss’s time with it. ‘21

Overwhelming. I once had someone say it takes three months in a job to even feel like you have any idea what is going on, then it takes three years to actually feel settled and confident! ’20

It was challenging and overwhelming, similar to the first day of college. ‘23

It's okay to be uncertain or nervous at the beginning of a new venture, especially something that matters! ‘23

Some self-induced stress: just remember your expectations to perform for the first several months are (and should be) quite low, focus on learning. ‘20

You will forget things and you will make mistakes. Don’t be afraid to admit that and ask for help. Your more experienced co-workers are usually more than happy to help you out. ’16

Orientation and training might seem overwhelming, but most of the time it is all a bunch of logistical stuff that you won’t actually do on a day-to-day basis. Use that time to get to know your co-workers. ’20

You WILL feel lost. It is expected, and it’s OK. And it will go away. ’20

The first month of work was a lot of learning. Everyone in the company knows you're new so there aren't many responsibilities right off the bat. I used that time to bond with my cohort and organize myself so that in the future when things picked up, I'd be organzied.’23

Be prepared to get the grunt work but use it as an opportunity to show what you can do for your employer. ’19

It was great. It wasn't as fast paced as I thought. My team was patient with me and helped me learn necessary skills before assigning me tasks. ‘24

It was amazing. I learned a ton, it was super easy at first and I just moved to NYC. I began to know the people I work with, and they are amazing people to be around. ’24

Overwhelming but full of growth. You will feel bad at the job - that is because you are! But you were hired to learn and BECOME useful, not to start out as a high performer. ‘23

A lot of learning. It may feel frustrating and strange to not have too much work the first month but that is ok! ‘23

I am a middle and high school English language Development teacher. My first week was very busy. I was trying to learn the administrative side of the job and also prep for my classes. I didn't know my students yet so I was planning for what they might be like. I was kind of nervous because I didn't know if I'd be able to connect well with them, but I knew how important relationship building was, so I built in lots of time for that. I also knew that consistency was important and so was continuing to show up and push my students after the first days and weeks. I had lots of great mentors to bounce ideas off and ask for support when I needed it.’22

The first day was high-energy as everyone is excited to start a new job and meet new people. It was a fun day with little expectations. The week was slightly overwhelming as you're learning about the company, your role, and other adult things such as benefits and IT setup. The month goes by fast, but I made sure to focus on learning rather than producing. ‘24

It takes a while to get into the groove of things. At my first job, I didn't even have a computer the first week of work. Focus on meeting new people and learning about what they do, how they can help you achieve your job goals, how you can add value to them as well (i.e. what their current work challenges are). ’15

A lot of learning and navigating a new company and space. It can be overwhelming but just take things one day at a time and don't be afraid to reach out to team members for coffee chats. ‘23

Exciting! Make sure to look sharp and come in relaxed, the first day (and week) is often a friendly onboarding experience. ‘22

In my experience, adjusting to a new job is always hard. It takes a few months to feel like you know what you’re doing at all. ’17

A smart person told me when I started my first job, “There’s a one-year cycle with every job. The first three months, there’s an adjustment, but then it’ll be smooth sailing. At about the six-month mark, you’ll hit a bump and feel like you’re dragging. At nine months, you’ll start to remember why you joined the company, and you’ll see the light again. At one year, you’ll be in a good place.” I’m at the six-month mark in a job I love, and this cycle still rings true. When you hit that point at your job, keep pushing. It will be worth it. ’21

I was fearful, respectful and generally quiet. I am becoming more myself every day in my job. ’18

Be adaptable. When you start, each day is different, so it’s best to always be prepared. ’21

A lot of new information is coming to you all at once. I found it helpful to keep a running list of topics, or even industry-specific phrases/words/acronyms that I looked up after I heard them. This helped me pick up on things in meetings and discussions with others. ’18

Very social. Most people just wanted to get to know me and see what I was about. Of course, I had to produce quality work, but mostly people were concerned with my personality. ’20

The first day/week/month was confusing, overwhelming and very very new. Although it was too much to process, it was quite welcoming, exciting and motivating. Trying to balance the new environment by focusing more on the positives will help in the longer run. Believing that it will get better will improve the state of mind. Knowing that it is definitely going to be different than the academic environment and being open to change are very good qualities to have. ’22

Get dressed every day and take a walk before starting work in the morning. It will help with a routine. ’21

Network hard; it takes extra effort and people recognize it. ’18

Don’t be afraid to get on the phone or Zoom. Sometimes a question is too hard to explain over email and you will feel a lot more connected with your teams if you see their faces and hear their voices. ’20

Don't be afraid to voice your questions if you don't ask, you'll never know! ‘23

If you are purely remote, try reaching out to members of your cohort casually, you may strike up a friendship or a great working relationship. ‘21

Ask to work with a more experienced colleague over screen-share. They can help point out things that you wouldn’t have thought to ask about. ’20

Don't make work your life, make friends outside of work and focus on what is important to you. ‘23

It’s simple—don’t be afraid to ask questions and reach out if you need it! Do what you need to do to ensure you are best set up for success. ’20

Do you best to make other connections with people. ’24

Would not advise a first job that is entirely WFH. ‘20

Don’t be afraid to reach out to your co-workers, even if it’s harder than it would be in the office. ’20

Finding a routine and getting outside as much as you can for fresh air is really important! ‘23

If you can, work anywhere but in your room. DO NOT spend all day inside—make plans or find reasons to leave either during the day or after work, even if just for a short walk. Remember that you do not need to be glued to the computer all day. ’21

When I was working from home, I loved my job a lot! I felt able to schedule my day better and far more comfortable at home. I scheduled some one-on-one “coffee” Zooms to get to know other people in my department. We already had weekly meetings and monthly staff meetings to get to know the organization. I utilized chat functions throughout the day for questions and check-ins. ’18

Be careful not to get too isolated. Find ways to be in person with real people. There is no substitute for that if you aspire for advancement.’22

Working from home will definitely take a toll on everyone. Transitions are hard and overwhelming but working remotely has its own benefits. Understanding the scenario and adapting to this work style takes time. Virtual is the new normal. Trying to connect with people virtually will help you not feel alone. ’22

Something I would say is that you should use those "easy" weeks during onboarding to try and establish a support system (this is much easier said than done, especially if you're in a new city). Remote work can get lonely especially if your job is time consuming, so being proactive on the front end to make friends or join an organization can be beneficial in the long run. ’23

Turn on your camera for meetings and start more informal meetings with small talk to get to know your coworkers on a personal level. ‘18

Invest in your work from home setup. You'll be spending a large chunk of time working from home (if your job allows you to) and you don't want to feel uncomfortable. Not saying that you need to break the bank, but it's worth investing in a good chair, big desk, nice monitor, and even a good keyboard and mouse. ‘24

Ask HR if they can help you find an on-boarding buddy to help you connect to other people. Schedule "tea times" with co-workers just to say hi and check-in virtually. Also, keep up with your friends outside of work as well as it can be hard to fill your "social cup" fully remote! ’15