Surviving the Orientation Phase, by Adam Scholl
The first day at a new job can be a very stressful experience. From the moment you step through the door, you are thrust into an unfamiliar setting and bombarded with countless streams of information, policies, and procedures. You become acquainted with dozens of new people and desperately try to keep their names, faces, and job roles straight without embarrassing yourself. Orientation is designed to alleviate many of the fears that we all experience when starting a new job. Depending on the company and industry, it can range anywhere from several days to a week or more. During this phase, your employer will provide you with the background on your company and will discuss your new role with the organization. A great deal of information is thrown at you all at once, and so it’s only natural that you will have questions. Remember that your supervisors and coworkers are there to help you make a smooth transition, and so don’t be afraid to ask questions! If looks bad if you have no questions after a long day of training. Feel free to ask fellow new hires questions as well, but remember that they are just as new to the organization as you are. Nobody expects you to know the ins and outs of the job your first week. It will take time for you to feel comfortable. Relax, take your time, and remember that you were hired for a reason: YOUR NEW EMPLOYER HAS FAITH IN YOU!
