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 Follow Instructions 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!