How to Deal: Where’s the Fax Machine Again?

[bbasujon]

1. Ask if You Can Ask More Questions

" Ask questions " is common advice whenever you start something new. However, when you're absorbing so much information in such a short time, you may not even know which questions to ask—sometimes it's all you can do to simply not appear totally lost. So, I've found that it's helpful to ask people if you can speak with them again once you've had some time to digest the information they've given—i.e., when you can muster up a more structured form of confusion.

2. Write it (All) Down

In the first few days and weeks, your brain is going to be on overload. So, give it a break and don't expect it to remember all of the things you'll be learning. Instead, write everything down. I'm serious—carry around a notebook wherever you go and scribble down anything you learn, from where the Help Desk is to when weekly meetings are held to all the job-specific duties you cover in training. Then read it over at the end of each day. You'll make sure you're not forgetting anything, and you'll avoid having to ask your co-workers the fax code (for the 12th time).

3. Go to Everything

During my first few forays into the corporate world, I was way too cool when it came to work events. I was afraid I'd look like I didn't have "real" friends or a "real" life if I spent too much time with my colleagues. But, like it or not, after you leave the cocoon of college, work is your life. You don't have to live at the office, but you should know that it's important to your career and to your mental well-being to develop relationships with the people you spend every day with. This is especially critical when you're new. You can gain first-hand insights about company culture and get the nitty gritty on what impresses (or really bothers) the higher-ups. Plus, work events give you the opportunity to form alliances and friendships with your new co-workers. They're important. Just go.

4. Don't be Too Hard on Yourself

It's natural to want to know everything right away, become BFF with all your new work buddies, and fall into the comfortable routine of being an office veteran. But remember that these things take time. By working hard , building connections, and really, just being yourself, you'll get there.

And in the meantime, just focus on the best part about being new: It's a great—albeit temporary—excuse for the many awkward moments office life will throw at you.


Source: https://www.themuse.com/advice/how-to-deal-wheres-the-fax-machine-again