10 Commandments of starting a new job

Whether you are just out of university, switching professions, or looking for senior actuary jobs, the working world has a different challenge for us all. You could be asked to work in completely new ways, work alongside a team you don’t immediately gel with, expected to change your perspective or expectations. Whatever your challenge, here’s a guide to handling your new job:

1.  Thou shalt breathe and explore

At first, none of it makes sense, it’s too confusing, that’s just a head rush. Quieten that little voice in your head and start exploring what you have. At first it still won’t make sense, but soon, around half 9 or 10, you’ll have written half a report.

2. Thou shalt ask questions

The first questions can be intimidating, as if you’re going to expose yourself as a fraud. That’s why you explore first, to get you through the first wave of confusions. After that, nothing is as important as asking questions. They save everyone time and help you build relationships. Remember everyone knows what it’s like to be the new girl/guy.

3. Thou shalt pay very close attention

Be cool, be restrained, focus on the tasks at hand, they’re essential, people want you to do your job and while they understand the stress it’s a) an ordinary day for them, and b) they’re completely human too. So spend time listening to the jokes, and the etiquette. You’re not expected to feel comfortable straight away, so even if you do, you can afford to be careful.

4. Thou shalt learn from co-workers

Wherever you are, you’re going to meet professionals with a wealth of knowledge and experience. They can teach you. It might be approaches to business, or it might be communication skills. Not only is this a great opportunity to learn, it will be instrumental in your success with what’s coming next.

5. Thou shalt help others

You might be the newbie but you’re here to be a co-worker. If you’ve managed to keep it together so far, then remember that making yourself useful is a requirement of being an employee.

6. Thou shalt prepare for complications

Your job exists because people make mistakes, so it never hurts to be prepared.

7. Thou shalt consider others

It’s not a matter of confidence or politeness. Some extroverts can be very careful of what they say, and some introverts can be a nuisance. It’s actually a matter of just how considerate one is.

8. Not starve thyself

It seems strange but new employees can easily punish themselves because “They don’t want to be a bother.”

9. Thou shalt engage with a mentor

It might be an obvious mentor, or maybe you get to know someone running half the business themselves. A long and open conversation with someone like this will teach you more about your role and career than anything else.

10. Thou shalt adapt

In the end, just be ready to adapt. That means preparation and flexibility.

Don’t fret too much, a new career, or a new job is a good thing. Indeed, it’s worthwhile to be on the lookout for changes in the industry and new openings for yourself. Are you up to date with what’s required of new graduates, or the best places to work? To keep up to date with opportunities and changes Oliver James Associates actuary jobs vacancies is a great resource.