<p>I receive a lot of questions from people on what they should do when starting a new job. I like to keep things simple, so I always try to remember the acronym, “S.T.U.D.Y.” Just follow this easy-to-remember map to settling into your new position:</p>
<p><strong>S</strong> = Survey your surroundings.</p>
<p><strong>T</strong> = Take the time required to understand your new job and department’s strategy, structure, processes, role and responsibilities, projects, and progress.</p>
<p><strong>U</strong> = Understand who you’re working with; review personnel files, speak with each individual.</p>
<p><strong>D </strong>= Do NOT make hasty decisions or state your opinions too soon. Take the time needed to understand people, processes, and results first.</p>
<p><strong>Y</strong> = Yes. Remember you can do what you set your mind to by prioritizing and setting attainable goals. Focus on the most important priorities first.</p>
<p>After your initial assessment of your workplace and workload, try these helpers:</p>
<ul>
<li>Create a 90-day game plan and break it down by month, detailing initiatives, projects and tasks.</li>
<li>Include a list of the key contacts/resources you should meet, work with and get to know during your first 90 days.</li>
<li>Meet with your manager to review your plans for starting, learning and working in your new role.</li>
<li>Ask (and listen to) your manager about what they believe are the most pressing priorities and why.</li>
<li>Proactively schedule a follow-up appointment in one or two weeks to share your initial learnings with your manager.</li>
<li>Meet regularly with your manager to inform them of your progress on executing your plan.</li>
</ul>
<p>Stay positive as you transition into your new position. Often times, the work load can be overwhelming and everything you’ll be learning might make you feel a bit like you’re trying to drink water from a fire hose. Don’t worry &#8211; that feeling will pass once you get through those first 90 days, which are always the most difficult.</p>
<p>~ Lisa Quast</p>
<p><em><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-984" style="border: 1px solid black; margin: 5px;" title="L.Quast" src="https://www.collegecareerlife.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/L.Quast_3.jpg" alt="L.Quast" width="64" height="96" /> Lisa Quast is CEO and President of Career Woman, Inc. (www.careerwomaninc.com)</em></p>
<p><em> Lisa Quast’s passion in life is making a difference in the lives of women by helping them achieve their dreams. Lisa is a career coach, author, business consultant, and the founder and president of Career Woman Inc., a Seattle-based international career development consulting company dedicated to helping women achieve career success. She&#8217;s an accomplished speaker and coach, inspiring audiences with her charismatic approach, actionable recommendations, and proven methodology. </em></p>
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