How four graduates survived the first days on a new job

Securing a new position is a significant milestone, but the initial period of adjustment can be daunting. Four individuals who recently started new jobs have shared their experiences and strategies for managing the critical first few weeks.

Sarisha Ganesan, 22, began a graduate marketing role last month after graduating from Loughborough University. Because her position is fully remote, she proactively emailed colleagues before her start date to understand what to expect. She noted a sharp contrast between the independent nature of university study and the collaborative, meeting-heavy environment of her new job. Her key advice is to communicate openly with managers and teams if tasks become overwhelming or if you are unsure how to proceed, emphasizing that colleagues do not expect you to know everything immediately.

Oliver Walker, 23, transitioned from the University of Liverpool into a graduate role focusing on social media campaigns just one week after his graduation. With limited time to research the responsibilities involved, he engaged in what he calls “company stalking” to learn about the organization. He recommends prioritizing professional development and establishing regular check-ins with supervisors to ensure goals are being met. Walker also suggests saying yes to opportunities and attending company events to connect with helpful colleagues.

Chinaza Eke, 20, recently completed an eight-week summer internship with the civil service while studying at the University of Warwick. She faced the challenge of using unfamiliar software systems for five main tasks. Although she initially hesitated to seek assistance, fearing it would reveal a lack of skill, she realized that asking for guidance was an expected part of the process. She advises newcomers to request help as soon as possible, noting that admitting a need for support can lead to valuable professional connections.

Elijah Amoako, 26, recently moved into a role managing industry relations with a new employer. Prior to starting, he researched the organization to gain insight into the team dynamics. He stresses the importance of arriving with curiosity rather than the expectation of knowing everything on day one. Having worked at a previous company, he took time to observe new processes rather than assuming they mirrored his past experiences. Amoako highlights that building relationships beyond your immediate team is essential for exposing yourself to broader opportunities and establishing a reputation for reliability and collaboration.

Lizzie Crowley, a senior policy adviser at the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, adds that it is important to establish the basics before your first day begins.