COLLEGE OF

Education and Human Development

Starting your first degree-driven position

Guide for Interns & Recent Graduates

    Preparing for Day 1

    Preparing for Day 1

    Think about your workplace identity. 
    You are a complex person with multiple identities. You talk, dress and behave differently when you are with your family compared to when you are with your friends, your teammates or your professors. Think about who you are – or who you want to be – in your career. 

    • What strengths do you want to be known for at work? 
    • How will you communicate with employers and coworkers? 
    • What will it mean for you to be your authentic self and act appropriately in the workplace?


    Choose your workplace “look.”
    What is appropriate for you to wear at work? Ask your supervisor or human resources if there is a dress code. After you start work, pay attention to other people's clothes, hairstyles, jewelry, cosmetics, and tattoos. Notice if entry-level employees dress differently than higher level staff. Remember: How you present yourself at work is part of your workplace identity.

    Resources: 

    • Check out CEHD Career Services and other event calendars, and community organizations to find opportunities to get free work clothes or discounts at retail stores.
    • Consider updating your wardrobe at your favorite thrift store.
    • Check out Pinterest boards for workplace attire ideas, like CEHD’s Dress for Success or the University of Minnesota’s UMJF Dress the Part.


    Make a plan for your first day. 

    • Confirm the start time and schedule for your first day. 
    • Do you work on site or remote? How do you access your workplace (physically or virtually)?
    • What transportation will you use to get to work? What about parking? 
    • What are your options for meals and snacks during the day?


    Reacquaint yourself with your new position. 
    It’s probably been several weeks since you first applied for your job. Reread the job description to remind yourself of why you are excited for the position. Think about the clues you received about workplace culture from your job interviews and networking contacts.

    You can also respond to or send an email to your supervisor to express excitement, confirm your start time, and to ask any questions you have about your first day.

    Your First Week

    Your First Week

    Get to know your job.
    The first few days or weeks on the job likely will include formal and informal training. Pay attention to employee manuals, workshops or orientation activities where you are given instructions about your daily tasks, the priorities of your department, or the organization’s policies and procedures. You want to have a clear understanding of what is expected of you, and of any regulations that affect your work.

    Find out how and when you can ask questions. Does your supervisor welcome questions whenever they come up, or prefer you set up a formal time to talk? Which of your colleagues can you go to for information about your work duties? How do you know when you are doing something well or if you need more training?

    After you have a basic understanding of your job, create an action plan or goals for your first month. What do you and your supervisor want you to achieve in the next 60 days? Schedule regular check-ins with your supervisor and workmates to help you monitor your learning.


    Sign up for benefits. 

    • How and when will you get paid? What do you need to do to set up direct deposit? 
    • What are your options for health care plans? What about dental and vision care?
    • How do you contribute to health care savings, life insurance or other accounts?
    • What retirement plans can you contribute to?
    • Does the organization offer tuition reimbursement?
    • Can you get discounts on transportation or parking?
    • What other benefits or perks are you eligible for?


    Get to know the environment.
    Usually new employees will get a tour of the workspace on their first day. If it's not included, ask a coworker(s) to show you around the entire building/areas where your department and partners work. Take the opportunity to get to know your new environment and your new coworkers.


    Get to know the workplace culture.

    • What time do people typically start and end their workdays?
    • When and where do coworkers eat lunch? Do they get together for coffee breaks or walks during the day?
    • How do your colleagues and supervisors communicate with each other?
    First 90 Days

    First 90 Days

    Take it all in.
    Each day you are probably feeling more confident in your work and aware that you are still learning at the same time. You can learn a lot about your new workplace by reading your emails and other communications, and paying attention in meetings. Meetings might feel tedious but use them as opportunities to learn about your department’s projects and priorities. You will also learn a lot about different work styles in meetings. Take notes for yourself and ask your supervisor questions about what was discussed in meetings.


    Seek support and be supportive. 
    Connect with people in your workplace and in your community who you can talk to about your career. Build relationships and stay connected with people who share your various identities (age, ethnicity, interests, career area, etc.). Talk with your (former) classmates and other people who are also in a new job to share stories and resources with each other.


    Pay attention to social dynamics. 

    • Do you feel welcome in your new workplace?
    • Do most people seem open to socializing with all of their coworkers or are there cliques? 
    • Do people come to meetings early to chat with each other? Do meetings often start late because people are connecting with each other before getting to business? Or do meetings start on time and stick to the agenda? What do you prefer?
    • Have you found people to hang out with at lunch or after work, or do you prefer not to socialize with coworkers? Do others expect you to hang out with them?
    • Have you connected with coworkers who share your identities – similar age, lifestyle, ethnicity. interests, etc.?


    Practice effective communications.
    Be respectful with everyone you talk with at work. Avoid complaining or gossiping, even if coworkers do it. You never know when what you say might be heard by the wrong person. Also, you want to be known as a positive, productive person at work.


    Familiarize yourself with technology and processes.
    Learn to use the software and other technologies needed for your job. Pay attention to updates and upgrades. Know how the technology, processes and procedures fit into your department’s operations. Understand how mismanaged or incomplete processes affect your work. 

    First 6 Months

    First 6 Months

    Reflect on your performance.
    Schedule a mid-year review with your supervisor, if you have not had one already. Discuss how your knowledge, skills, and abilities are fitting within your department. Clarify expectations with your supervisor and talk about your goals for the rest of the year. Talk about how you are (or are not) feeling welcomed in your work team.


    Take time to grow.
    Look into professional development and training opportunities. Consider what skills and knowledge you need for your current position and prepare for your next career move. Find out if the organization offers tuition reimbursement or other incentives for skill building or earning credentials.


    Do a self check.

    • How are you managing your workload and schedule?
    • Who can you talk with about problems at work? Who is in your support circle?
    • What are you doing for fun and to relax?
    • Are you eating well, sleeping and practicing other healthy activities on a regular basis?
    Additional Resources

    Additional Resources