Make an Impression: Preparing for Your New Job or Internship

Congrats!

Hey there! Big congratulations are in order – you're on the verge of diving into your first internship (or job), but the excitement comes with a bit of uncertainty about what awaits you on day one. No worries, we've got your back. Let's walk through some practical tips to gear you up for a successful first day and ease those pre-job jitters.


Before The First Day:

REVIEw THE OFFER LETTER

Review your offer letter and position description (and review it a few times).  Your position description and offer letter are going to lay out your responsibilities as an intern and will give you an idea of projects and skills utilized throughout your experience.

SCHEDULING

Ask your supervisor to provide you with an idea of your schedule for the first day and make sure you know what time to arrive and have mapped out the location/commute time beforehand (to help with my nerves, I always do a commute test run before my first day). 

QUESTIONS

Ask any questions you might have regarding dress codes and expectations.  This is a place to get clarity of your workplace culture.

Pack Your Bag:

Make sure you have everything you need- just like school, sometimes it is easier to pack a bag the night before.  Make sure you have your id and documentation needed for the first day.  

The First Day:

Orientation

This will probably be spent helping you getting familiar with the organization and meeting members of your team and getting to know your workspace. 

Meet With Your Supervisor

You might also meet with your supervisor during your first day and go over the role of your jobs and responsibilities.  This is a great opportunity to answer any clarifying questions you may have from your earlier review of your job description/offer letter. 

This also where you will figure out payroll, meet with HR and go over all of your company policies and benefit information (if applicable). 

ASK Questions

Feeling overwhelmed? It's okay – the first days usually are. Ask questions; it's the secret sauce to a successful learning experience during your internship. After all, you're here to absorb and grow.

Get Support

Ready to conquer your first day like a pro? Dive into your new adventure with confidence! Don't forget, it's not just a job; it's an opportunity to learn, grow, and make a lasting impression.

Consider partnering with a coach who specializes in empowering individuals facing challenges like ADHD, executive function deficits, anxiety, and depression. Our coaching services are tailored to make your career path more accessible and fulfilling. Let's embark on this journey together, setting and achieving your goals in a way that uniquely caters to your needs.

Ashley Bray, MA

With a career advocating for individuals of all abilities in academic, workforce, and economic settings, Ashley has extensive experience in helping individuals implement effective time management and organizational strategies. She believes that breaking down barriers and creating meaningful and intentional opportunities for engagement will encourage a path to growth and self-determination.

Prior to Life Solved, Ashley served as the Disability & Learning Skills Advisor at Georgetown University; here she managed the Academic Resource Center for the School of Continuing Studies, overseeing the coordination and implementation of student academic accommodations and support services. Through a lens of Universal Design, she worked to implement strategies for academic retention and growth  

Most recently, she served as Program Director for BroadFutures, working directly with young adults with learning disabilities through programming to foster self-advocacy and independence.

Ashley has a Bachelor’s degree in Human Development from Virginia Tech and a Master’s degree in Human Development and Secondary Special Education with a concentration in Vocational Evaluation and Assessment.

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