Transition to the workplace

Student -> Employee

First Day at Work

What to wear? What to bring? Notebook: Keep track of new info First impressions Orientation Confidentiality/Proprietary Issues Non-Disclosure Agreements

Orientation

Various Types Meet with Supervisor/Manager Review Employee Manuals,

Protocols, Safety Memos Office/Plant/Lab Tour Introductions to other employees

Orientation Goals

Try to learn: Where you fit into the organization How the company philosophy, goals and

mission affect your role What the work flow will be and how you

will interact with co-workers Clarify job duties, responsibilities,

standard of performance, and workplace conduct

Where to turn for help

First Week at Work

Take plenty of notes Lab notebook is very important

Follow Instructions Ask questions Be realistic

Learning curve can be very steep Science can be fairly repetitive Do not get discouraged if the work seems

boring or uninteresting Become aware of expectations

Work hours, lunch/break times

ATTITUDE is everything!

Be enthusiastic and inquisitive Be patient, work hard and prove yourself Be flexible and adaptable Be friendly to everyone you work with Networking! Get Involved

Introduce yourself to employees Participate in social activities. Get involved in

“after hours” activities to meet your colleagues in a non-work setting

Ask others about their roles in the organization

Communicate for Success

Be an active listener Remember that most communication is

non-verbal Choose the right time to communicate

messages Paraphrase instructions to ensure you

understand them Ask intelligent questions Do your homework!

Giving and Receiving Feedback

Ask for feedback and appreciate constructive criticism

Learn to accept constructive criticism positively and evaluate it

“Nobody’s perfect” Give feedback when necessary See article on Feedback

Internet & E-mail usage

Appropriate use of E-mail and internet Do not rely on E-mail to communicate, face-to-

face still works best! Do not write “emotional” E-mails. 24 hour “chill”

period Always conduct yourself professionally Avoid making/taking personal calls at work No long distance calls. Turn off your cell phone! Lab equipment: Keep your work station tidy,

respect shared equipment and report breakage

Overtime ?

It is common in research environments that overtime may be necessary from time to time

Be aware that your co-workers are probably working a lot of uncompensated overtime

Don’t expect compensation unless this is pre-approved

Co-op expectation is that employers will follow Employment Standards Act

ALWAYS

Be on time, inform employer of absences

Work hard and keep an immaculate notebook

Maintain a tidy work station Respect fellow employees Maintain a professional attitude Keep me informed of any problems

NEVER

Interfere with another employee’s work Fall asleep on the job Falsify or remover records/documents Use physical or verbal abuse Steal data, equipment, anything Smoke in prohibited areas Drink or be under the influence of

alcohol/drugs on the job

Tips for Success

Ask questions Be positive and flexible Take initiative Be an active participant Be organized and manage your time

effectively Be aware of other’s sensitivities and cultural

differences Avoid company politics Problems? Keep me informed!