Transition to the workplace

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 • 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 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

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!