1. Transition to the workplace
Student -> Employee

2. 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

3. Orientation Various Types Meet with Supervisor/Manager
Review Employee Manuals, Protocols, Safety Memos
Office/Plant/Lab Tour
Introductions to other employees

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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!

8. 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

9. Internet & E-mail usage
Appropriate use of and internet
Do not rely on to communicate, face-to-face still works best!
Do not write “emotional” s. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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!