Entries by Tori Snoddy

Get to Know The Auto Club Group’s Internship Program

Hear from the Interns:

  1. What did you enjoy most about AAA – The Auto Club Group’s internship?

Nathanial: The thing I enjoyed most about this program is the structure of my day to day schedule. I was able to travel this summer and complete many projects for school and other organizations that I’m a part of that I had been putting off during the school year. This has been one of my most productive summers!

This internship is right for you if your summer availability looks like a Swiss cheese and you want to stay involved in other activities you had planned while also gaining skills that are hard to come by anywhere else going into future jobs.

Adrianna: I really loved my internship with the Auto Club group. I’d say my favorite part of the internship are the idea jams. I really love being able to get creative and share ideas that come to mind and collaborate with the rest of the team to come up with some different solutions for our sprints. It was also a great way to grow my technical skills in programming through the projects that we were assigned.

I also really enjoy the team that I get to work with. I think that there are great people and great connections being made and this whole experience is really helping me reach my future career goals.

Courtney: This internship was a perfect opportunity to get my foot in the door and gain that experience before graduation. I was able to work both with general counsel and staff counsel, which really exposed me to such a wide variety of topics. I was able to work on so many different assignments and I feel like this really just gave me a good insight into the work that’s done in this area and how it’s done.

 

  1. What would you tell someone who is considering applying for an internship at AAA – The Auto Club Group?

Nathanial: I’d tell somebody applying for an internship at AAA that you are in for a load of fun and it’s going to be a unique semester. Your coworkers are relaxed, innovation driven, and great people to work with. I built one of a kind friendships with students in my field of study across the nation and it was able to be a part of the growth of a company that has a profound tradition in the United States history.

Elliott: Even though insurance gets a bad rap, there are great insurance companies that care about their customers, and AAA has taught me that level of service that’s required and necessary for having such a great company.

 

  1. What advice would you give someone starting an internship at AAA – The Auto Club Group?

Nathanial: My advice is to embrace AAA as your own. Don’t be afraid to express out of the box ways to increase our memberships and find new opportunities.

Elliott: I would give future interns the advice to ask questions! Ask as many questions as you have, not only about the company but about insurance in general. I’ve learned so much about [insurance] that I would have that I probably never would have known otherwise.

 

Hear from the Company:

  1. What is unique about your internship program?

Our internship program is unique because it provides students with the opportunity to work on inventive projects that tackle real and relevant issues within the industry. Students are encouraged to employ innovative techniques, work collaboratively, and think freely to discover creative solutions. AAA – The Auto Club Group’s internship program pairs each student with a mentor, ensuring that the student grows both in their skills and career readiness. Our program prepares and supports students while they navigate the beginning of their career in the industry.

  1. Tell us about some of the best opportunities/outcomes to come out of your program.

Many former interns have gone on to work for AAA – The Auto Club Group full-time, two of whom are now supervising new interns themselves. This is a testament to the supportive, exciting, and learning centered environment cultivated by our organization.

  1. What resources are available to interns after they complete the program?

Students may join the AAA – The Auto Club Group’s Intern Alumni network on LinkedIn.

  1. Why do/should interns or candidates for other positions choose your company?

To become a part of something bigger.

By continuing to invest in more advanced technology, pursuing innovative products, and hiring a highly skilled workforce, AAA continues to build upon its heritage of providing quality service and helping our members enjoy life’s journey through insurance, travel, financial services, and roadside assistance.

And when you join our team, one of the first things you will notice is that same, whole-hearted, enthusiastic advocacy for each other.

  1. What have you done to promote diversity & inclusion at your organization?

We have positions available for every walk of life! AAA prides itself on creating an inclusive and welcoming environment of diverse backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints, as we realize our differences make us stronger. We are proud to have nine Employee Resource Groups where employees can gather around shared identities to support each other and educate others.

  1. Do you have a transition process for intern to full time employee?

Business lines participating in ACG’s Internship Program prepare for their transition depending on where the students are in their course of study. This may include an additional internship, a part-time role while they continue their studies, or full-time opportunities for employment.

 

 



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10 Tips to Help You Nail That Interview

By: Lindsay Huffman, Director of Workers’ Compensation Field Claims at Amerisure

 

 

You researched potential employers, drafted a resume, applied for a position and got an interview!  You are excited to have the opportunity to interview with the company of your dreams, but are nervous about providing the “right” answers to the interviewer.  Job interviews can be anxiety inducing, but they don’t need to be.  After interviewing many candidates over my career, here are 10 interview tips to help you nail that interview. 

 

  1. Research, research, research

The Company

Take time before the interview to research your potential employer on their website.  It will help you to understand the company’s history, mission and culture.  Then perform a simple Google search of the company.  Learn about their reputation in the industry.  Take a look at their social media accounts to see what they message to their followers.  Your research can help to ensure that the company is a good fit for you and will often help you to predict some of the questions you might be asked during the interview.

 

The Interviewer

In addition to researching your potential employer, also do some research on the person with whom you will be interviewing.  LinkedIn is a great place to learn about the interviewers’ career, interests and any connections you might have to that person.  This research will allow you to connect with your interviewer and to ask meaningful questions. It will also allow the interviewer to see that you have viewed their profile, which shows effort on your part. 

 

  1. Review the Job Description and your Resume

Before your interview, review the job description in detail.  Generally, the job description will contain qualifications that your potential employer is looking for in a candidate.  Take notes on how you match up with those qualifications in a bullet point format.  If your experience doesn’t exactly match a qualification, note how your other skills prepare you for the role.  For example, if your potential employer is looking for a candidate with 10 years of experience in the industry and you only have 5, detail how you studied the industry in school, or have read books or attended webinars on the subject.

Also, review your own resume.  It might seem like an unnecessary step, but I have interviewed people who forgot about items listed on their resume.  Look over your job history, education and skills and be prepared to answer questions in detail about each category. 

  1. Be Prepared to Answer Questions about Why you Left Previous Employers

Interviewers and recruiters love to ask potential candidates why they left their previous employer.  Your answer can tell the interviewer a lot about you.  First, provide the main reason why you left/or are leaving your employer.  This can include both personal and professional reasons.  Then try to link the reason why you are leaving to the new position.  For example, you were looking for a leadership position at your current employer and there were no leadership positions available.  Now, you are applying for a new position in a leadership capacity.  Or, you have a two-hour commute at your current employer and the new position you are applying for is remote. 

Be honest about why you left/or are leaving your employer, but make sure that your answer remains professional.  An interview is not the time to bash your current or prior manager or employer. 

  1. Don’t Over Rehearse

It is important to be prepared for you interview, but don’t over rehearse.  Don’t practice so much that your answers sound like you are reading from a script.  Instead of being in the moment during the interview, you will be trying to remember the right answers to the questions.  This can throw off the entire interview.  Instead, ask a friend to role-play a few questions with you and provide feedback on your answers.  This will help you to be confident the day of the interview.

 

  1. Be Prepared the Day of the Interview

The majority of interviews this day and age are performed virtually.  Before the interview begins, make sure that your space is prepared for an interview.  Make sure that your camera, microphone and speakers are functioning.  Turn on your camera and look at what the interviewer can see.  Is your background full of boxes or children’s toys?  If so, just blur your background.  You want your interviewer to concentrate on you, not your background.   Right before the interview begins, make sure that you pets are in another room and that your partner, children or roommates know not to interrupt you during the interview.  If you are taking an interview during your break at your current employer, make sure to turn off any alerts on your computer that will distract you during the interview.  

  1. Arrive Early and Dress Professionally

Whether you are interviewing in person or virtually, make a good impression.  Dress for the position that you want.  Workplaces aren’t as formal as they once were, so a suit likely isn’t necessary, but if you look good, you will feel confident.  Once you are dressed and ready to go, arrive to the interview early.   This will show your interviewer that you are prepared, eager and interested. 

  1. Listen to the Questions

As you are easing into the interview and answering questions, make sure that you listen to the question that you are asked.  You will be excited to tell your interviewer all about yourself and might not be paying attention to the question.  Listen to the question and answer that question before moving on to any other tidbits you would like to share with the interviewer.  Also be cognizant of length of your answer.   If you interview is scheduled for thirty minutes, and it takes you ten minutes to answer one question, you likely won’t be able to share everything you would like to with your interviewer. 

  1. Be Confident and Sell Yourself

This is your time to project confidence.  Whether you feel confident or not, sit up straight, speak clearly and look your interviewer in the eye.  Be aware of your body language.  Don’t cross your arms or slouch.  Your physical posture can help you feel more confident. 

Sell yourself.  Explain to the interviewer why you are the right choice for the position.  Align your skills to the needs of the company.  It is not bragging; it is confidently showing the interviewer that you know your strengths and that you will excel in the position.

  1. Ask Relevant and Insightful Questions

At the end of every interview, you will have the opportunity to ask your interviewer some questions.  Before the interview, come up with one or two questions relevant to the position or employer.  It is important to make sure that the company is the right fit for you, so it is always a good idea to ask about the company culture.   It is also a good idea to ask a question that will allow the interviewer to talk a little bit about themselves.  You could ask them how they got to the position they currently hold.  Or, you could ask my favorite question; What is your favorite on-the-job memory?  This question allows the interviewer to think, smile and tell a story.  You should always end the question portion of the interview asking about the next steps in the hiring process.  This will help to set your expectations as to when you can expect to hear back from the employer. 

  1. Follow-Up with a Thank You Message

After the interview, contact the interviewer and thank them for spending time getting to know you.  Express your continued interest in the position and let them know that you are available to answer any additional questions they may have.  It might seem like a small gesture, but it can make a big impact.  If the employer is deciding between you and another candidate, your thank you message might push you across the finish line.


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RISE Announces Strategic Planning Board to Launch in 2023

RISE is excited to announce the launch of our newly formed Strategic Planning Board in 2023!

The Strategic Planning Board is comprised of RISE members working hand in hand with the leadership team and Advisory Board to create and manage initiatives and execute against our long term goals. The vision for our group is to create a pipeline of high achievers who will guide RISE and contribute to our success.

We are so excited to work with these highly regarded young professionals to help grow, recognize & advance the best young talent in the Insurance Industry!

My name Tania Sanfiel, and I have nine-year tenure at Assurant in Property & Casualty (P&C) claims. At Assurant I currently lead our Renters Claims Operations, Digital Initiatives and Claims Customer Experience. During this time, I have cultivated a comprehensive understanding of the industry, beginning my journey from the grassroots of property claims handling to leadership roles that span claim management and operational performance enhancement.

Throughout my career, I’ve contributed to transformative projects aimed at streamlining and elevating customer experiences. This has involved the implementation of artificial intelligence and machine learning, coupled with business rules, to automate less complex claims for our renters’ product. Additionally, I spearheaded the creation of automated event-driven text messages, expanded digital payment capabilities to include EFT, push to debit, and eCheck, and harnessed tools like Hi Marley to establish an asynchronous channel for adjusters to keep customers informed.

More recently, I’ve been at the forefront of modernizing our legacy systems, particularly as the Claim Center product owner, leading our transition to the cutting-edge Guidewire platform. My journey at Assurant has been marked by a relentless pursuit of innovation and a commitment to enhancing customer experiences, making me a dedicated contributor to the dynamic landscape of P&C claims.

Tania Sanfiel

Director, P&C Claims, Assurant

Rachel Jenkins is an experienced professional in the insurance industry, currently serving as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of XN Capital, a startup focused on scaling access to captives and other alternative risk structures. Prior to her role at XN Capital, she worked as the Managing Director of Founder Shield’s client advisory team, where she established herself as a leading customer success professional with over 12 years of experience in the insurance sector. Before that, she spent several years with Marsh, advising on risk management for major financial institutions and insurance companies globally.

Apart from her successful career, Rachel is passionate about mentorship and supporting younger and diverse candidates in the insurtech industry. She finds inspiration in helping others further their careers and is actively involved in mentorship initiatives. Outside of her professional endeavors, Rachel is deeply involved in her family’s non-profit organization, which focuses on rehoming and job placement for homeless and non-violent offenders. This work gives her a strong sense of purpose and allows her to make a positive impact in her community.

Rachel Jenkins

Chief Operating Officer, XN Capital

Pam is an accomplished leader and highly active member of the insurance industry in Central Illinois, soon to be serving as Past President of the largest chapter in the world – Central Illinois. Through her involvement with the local CPCU chapter and RLI Toastmasters club, she has promoted the insurance industry to professionals and young people in the region. Pam also participates in mentoring college students through the U of I Axis Risk Management program. Pam was named on the Rise 35 under 35 list in 2023. Pam holds the CPCU, AINS, and AU designations. She has a degree in Actuarial Science from Bradley University. In her free time she enjoys the outdoors through hiking and gardening.

Pamela Goerlich Findley

Sr Product Manager, RLI

Lael Chappell serves as the Chief Marketing & Business Development Officer at Desq in their New York Office. Lael is responsible for the development, implementation, and management of Desq’s brand and marketing strategy and leads Desq’s pipeline development and solicitation of the industry’s top underwriters to build opportunities on the Desq platform.

Lael received his Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance and Bachelor of Business Administration in Risk Management & Insurance from the University of Georgia, obtained full alumni status as a graduate of the Program for Leadership Development at Harvard Business School, and has an Executive MBA from the EMBA Global Asia Program jointly conferred by Columbia Business School, London Business, School, and the University of Hong Kong.

Lael Chappell

Chief Marketing & Business Development Officer, Desq

Khalid Brammer-Blackman is the Retail Excess Construction Lead at Arch Insurance Group, where he, alongside a team of underwriters, works on expanding Arch’s business within the retail excess space within the Construction insurance group. With over ten years of insurance experience, Khalid received the RISE 35 under 35 in 2023, which has added to his visibility in the industry. He graduated from Florida State University’s Masters of Risk Management and Insurance and York University (Toronto, Canada) Disaster and Emergency Management programs. He hopes to work with the rest of the strategic board on expanding the RISE brand as an organization, as he firmly believes in the organization’s initiatives.

Khalid Brammer-Blackman

Vice President - Retail Excess Construction Lead, Arch Insurance Group

Ema is a Digital Transformation and Change Management expert with over a decade of corporate training and enterprise software sales experience. She is the Co-Founder of Roloff Consulting, a consulting firm that focuses on helping sales teams transform their process. Ema has conducted over 300 expert interviews in the space of Digital Transformation and Innovation within insurance and beyond. She has been recognized as one of LinkedIn’s Top Voices in Digital Transformation and Sales, a RISE 35 under 35 Award Winner, named in Lightico’s Innovators Top 100, and a ‘Making Waves’ Honoree by InsurTech Hartford.

Ema Roloff

Co-Founder and Principal Consultant, Roloff Consulting

Dr. Claire Muselman is a prominent figure in the workers’ compensation field, known for her innovative and inclusive approach to risk management and insurance. As the founder of CM Advising, she has made a lasting impact by infusing her unique style, characterized by glitter and sparkles, into the industry. Celebrating nearly two decades of experience, she also serves as the Chief Operating Officer of WorkersCompensation.com and has introduced transformative initiatives such as the Workers’ Recovery Unit and the Workers’ Compensation Center of Excellence.

Beyond her professional roles, Dr. Claire is a media influencer, with a history as a podcast co-host, a co-founder of The Transitions, and a mentor through Rising Insurance Star Executives (RISE). She is a prolific writer, contributing to platforms like Bloom, WorkersCompensation.com, and Captive.com. In academia, she shares her expertise as a Professor of Practice at Drake University’s Zimpleman College of Business and Co-Director of the Master of Science in Leadership Development in the School of Education.

Dr. Claire is a strong advocate for gender diversity and inclusivity, serving as an Ambassador for the Alliance of Women in Workers’ Compensation and the Kind Souls Foundation. Her dynamic speaking engagements nationwide reflect her commitment to empathetic and emotionally intelligent leadership. Her ultimate mission is to inspire positive change that transcends industries and encourages others to strive for nothing less than extraordinary.

Dr. Claire Muselman

Professor of Practice in the Zimpleman College of Business & Co-Director of the Master of Science in Leadership program at Drake University; COO at WorkersCompensation.com; Founder at DCM.

Chris Cutrer is a SIU Field Supervisor with GEICO in Columbus, OH.  He has been with GEICO for nearly 8 years and has worked as a claims adjuster and SIU investigator prior to becoming a leader within SIU.  Prior to working in the insurance industry,  Chris worked in law enforcement.  Chris has a bachelor’s degree in Criminology from The Ohio State University.  In his spare time he enjoys lifting weights and participating in Scottish Highland Games.  Chris was a winner of the 2023 RISE awards for 35 under 35.

Chris Cutrer

SIU Field Supervisor, GEICO

After graduating from Clemson University in 2017, I joined Canal Insurance as a Commercial Truck Small Fleet Underwriter. After 2 years, I began Underwriting Large Fleets. Since joining the Large Fleet team I took on a Supervisor position and was recently promoted to Manager which allowed me to take on Operations teams as well as our Fleet Underwriting Team. Developing team members to have strong and technical Underwriting skills as well as improving operational efficiencies is my current focus. I am also working towards my CPCU designation In my free time, I enjoy spending time outdoors camping and hiking.

Bailey Harr

Fleet Renewal Manager, Canal Insurance Company

Awais is the SVP of Strategy & Transformation at Crawford & Company, driving the future of claims through cutting-edge technology, fostering a dynamic culture, and optimizing operational excellence. With a diverse leadership background spanning front and back-office roles, he has successfully led strategic transformations for claims, IT, and digital insurance solutions at State Farm, Chubb, and Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance Companies. Awais’s impact in the industry is recognized through accolades such as Mentor of the Year and the R.I.S.E.’s ’35 Under 35′ award, showcasing his outstanding contributions to his company, community, and the insurance sector as a whole.

Awais Farooq

SVP, Strategy & Transformation, Crawford & Company

Taylor joined the Risk Management and Insurance industry in 2014 when she began working for Lockton Companies in a client service role. In 2018, Taylor joined Questpro Consultants as their Campus Recruiting Manager where she helped launch their newest division, QGrads, serving to attract college graduates into our industry.

Taylor now serves as the Vice President of Business Development for Questpro, an insurance-specific staffing firm with a national presence. In this role, Taylor oversees new business sales across all service lines, grows relationships with existing accounts, and manages a national sales team based throughout the country. As a member of the University of Texas-Dallas RMI Advisory Council, Taylor also serves as an Associate Member of the Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation’s (IICF) Southeast Division Board, as well as a Director with the Dallas Chapter of Young Risk Professionals. Taylor has earned national recognition through earning the Rising Insurance Star Executive (RISE) award in 2021 and earning the Emerging Leader in Insurance Award by APCIA (the American Property Casualty Insurance Association), AM Best, and ICM (the Insurance Careers Movement). Taylor’s role has allowed her the opportunity to collaborate with candidates, companies, and hiring managers across the country and has given her a unique insider view on our industry and the current trends and challenges we all face as we look toward hiring the next phase of insurance professionals.

Taylor Jones

Vice President, Business Development Questpro Consultants

Scott currently serves as Vice President, Strategic Accounts for Ethos. In this role, he partners with clients to develop technology-enabled solutions that help improve operational workflows and reduce expenses. Over the last 7 years, Scott has held several leadership positions, developing and empowering the next generation of leaders in our industry – a professional passion of his. Outside of work, Scott and his wife love to travel and enjoy new experiences with their two children. Scott is a fitness enthusiast and recently completed his first marathon.

 

Scott Francis

Vice President, Strategic Accounts, Ethos

Raisa Lyons

Underwriter, Bass Underwriters

Owie Lei Agbontaen began his career in 2016 and quickly made a splash in the New York and Boston Insurance markets. Now in Chicago, Owie is currently an Assistant Vice President at Sompo International, leading the Business Development efforts in the Midwest. Owie is responsible for supporting all of Sompo’s product offerings in the Upper Central region and expanding Sompo’s footprint in the Midwest. Prior to the business development role, Owie grew Sompo’s Midwest middle market P&C book in the Real Estate, Hospitality, Financial Institutions, and Professional Services verticals from the ground up.

Owie is originally from Brooklyn, NY and graduated from Boston College with a bachelor’s degree in Communications and Marketing, and a minor in African and African American Diaspora Studies. He is currently the Vice Chair and Dir. Of Finance of the newly established Young Risk Professionals’ (YRP) Chicago Chapter, an organization focused on connecting professionals in the risk & Insurance industry through networking, mentoring, and education. Professionally, he has been recognized as a Rising Star and a Hot 100 professional by Insurance Business America and was also awarded a 35 Under 35 Rising stars Award by RISE Professionals.  More recently, Owie was awarded the Emerging Leader Award by NAAIA at their annual conference in October.

Owie Agbontaen

AVP, Business Development Sompo International

Petyah Pierre is an experienced HR/Risk Management Claims Analyst with extensive experience in insurance benefits to include Workers’ Compensation, FMLA, Social Security disability, and Long-Term Medical disability. Petyah has been an employee of The Broward County Sheriff (BSO) for over six years as a Sr. Human Resources Analyst in the Workers’ Compensation section overseeing in excess of 600 open claims. She has an Associate in Risk Management, 6-20 All Lines Adjusters License, and Certified in Workers’ Compensation Litigation.

Petyah is member of National African American Insurance Association (NAAIA) Florida Chapter, The Public Risk Management Association (PRIMA) South Florida Chapter, RISE Professionals, and actively participates in both The Alliance of Women in Workers’ Compensation along with Dive In, a Global Festival for Diversity and Inclusion in Insurance. She is a freelance writer for BLOOM magazine which covers everything workplace, wellness, industrial health and safety, holistic living, clean beauty, living sustainably, travel environment, and happiness. Her most recent piece is titled “Black Hair in Corporate America.”

Petyah Triche

Assistant Manager - Workers' Compensation, Broward Sheriff's Office

Nicole Velino has been in insurance for 8 years.  Nicole is employed by Falvey Insurance Group and works in the claims division for cargo shipments. She resides in Rhode Island, has one daughter Ava Grace, and loves all things Christmas. Nicole was a 2021 RISE Professional Award Winner and looks forward to being part of the ever- growing insurance industry.

Nicole Velino

Claims Associate Group Lead, Falvey Insurance Group

Mohamad is a multilingual professional with international experience in both project and risk management in the construction field. He has been overseeing all the risk management activities in many local and international multi-billion dollars projects such as Mega 4800 MW Combined Cycle Power Plant, Complex TBM tunnels under the Suez Canal, and huge Metro Lines. He has developed a formal risk management department from scratch in an international construction company after seeing and realizing the need of such approach to a successful completion of projects. He has proven experience in using Monte Carlo Simulation in anticipating project duration, budget and contingency. He co-lead the successful three Guinness World Record Holder largest Water Treatment Plant in the world in the capacity of Assistant Project Manager. He shared the responsibility with the project director as the PMO, interface and coordination manager in the High-Speed Rail Project in Egypt.

Mohamad ElHelaly

Project Management and Construction Internal Audit, Afreximbank

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15 Tips To Excel At Your New Job: Your First Day, Week, And Few Months

By: Daria Zand – Insure National Intern

Just inked your name on a job offer letter? Congratulations!

New beginnings like this can seem daunting-but don’t fret. You can still feel confident and prepared while entering the unknown. And while it’s important to succeed in your new position, it’s also important to thrive in your new environment.

Here’s a guide to help you on navigate the start of your new chapter:

The First Day

First impressions are lasting and difficult to sway. Understand the importance of this and plan accordingly.

1. Test run everything

You can ease your nerves and ensure a smooth start by testing everything you’ll need to do on your first day.

If you’re in person, plan your commute so you will arrive 15-30 minutes early. Waze and Google Maps have helpful features for calculating or planning a drive. If you really want to be prepared, test drive your commute before your first day so you can be familiar with the route, because there’s nothing more unnecessary than missing an exit.

If you’re working from home, test your computer/laptop, especially if your work provides one for you. Test your internet connection, your computer software, and other equipment you’ll need to use for the job the day before or a few hours before you are set to start.

2. Prepare your first day attire

Pick out and try on your outfit the night before you start your job. Your clothing and general appearance communicate a message about you. Make sure you choose a clean outfit that you look and feel confident in!

3. Take notes

You will be exposed to a lot of new and important information on your first day. You will also probably have a lot of questions to ask! Carry a notebook and writing utensil with you to write these things down. While writing notes on your phone is convenient, it can send the wrong message.

4. Be available for lunch plans

Keep your lunch plans open. Lunch is an opportunity to socialize! You may get an invitation from a co-worker or there may be pre-arranged lunch plans. You might feel inclined to invite a co-worker to join you for lunch. While the first day can be overwhelming, try to refrain from excluding yourself. Try to plan to meet with a few coworkers virtually if you work from home!

5. Be attentive

As hard as it may be, keep your attention focused throughout the day. You will experience copious amounts of information being thrown at you on your first day. Be present and act like a sponge- soak up all this information. Check yourself periodically that you’re actively listening and being attentive.

The First Week

You’ve survived the first day, now it’s time to make the most of your first week.

1. Introduce yourself

Brush up on your elevator pitch­- you’re going to need it. An elevator pitch is a short but effective explanation of yourself. Here are a few questions to guide you: Who are you? What do you do? How did you get to where you are? Try to make it appropriate and relevant to your career. And remember- keep your handshakes firm, not your demeanor. A cordial and enthusiastic introduction can go a long way.

As you meet new people during your first week on the job, you’re going to introduce yourself frequently to these people. Others will probably do the same. Try your best to remember the names of the people you meet. You can help your memorization by associating a person with something notable they said (i.e., Julian the baker, Ali from Toronto, Mabel the dog lover).

2. Build rapport

If you’ve memorized the names of your colleagues, you’ve already made the first step towards building a good relationship with them! All jobs require teamwork at some point. When that occasion comes, having pre-established relationships with your teammates will make that process less challenging and more effective. Even when you’re not actively engaging in teamwork, rapport creates a more pleasant work environment. Having peers to rely on when you have questions, need favors, want feedback, etc., and vice versa will be helpful and beneficial for you.

3. Know your role

You know your title, but do you know your role? Speak to your manager to get clarity. Figure out what your role consists of, what your responsibilities and expectations are, how your job performance will be assessed, and what resources you need to do your job well. Establishing this at the very beginning of your career is essential. This will help eliminate unnecessary confusion and wasted effort.

4. Understand the company

Knowing its background, structure, and culture (which includes its personality, mission, and values) will help you comprehend your company’s identity and how your behavior should align with it.

Specifically, many companies have an organizational chart that explains its operating structure. Inquire about the operating structure and ask your manager to explain how it works. Get a sense of how you fit into the big picture and where there are opportunities for growth.

5. Learn your benefits

Sometime during your first week, learn the basics of your benefits. Here are some topics to inquire about:

  • Health, vision, and dental insurance
  • Sick leave, time off, and holidays
  • 401(k) or how to roll your 401(k) from your previous job.
  • Opportunities to get involved (volunteering, team bonding, work-related travel, etc.)

The First Few Months

Hopefully, you’re getting settled in nicely by now. Let’s continue that precious momentum into the next few months.

1. Seek a mentor

After familiarizing yourself with your co-workers, prioritize finding a company veteran who can provide mentorship to you. Seeking someone who once fulfilled your role or fulfills a role that you are interested in would be especially beneficial. Once you’ve found a sufficient individual, humbly and politely ask for their guidance. Clearly discuss their capacity to mentor you and what you hope to learn from them. Ask them to meet with you periodically in the future for development and feedback. Then, profusely thank them if they agree to this feat.

2. Avoid Gossip

Engaging in gossip in the workplace can be tempting, especially if you agree with what’s being said. But refrain from this. Realize that you interact with your coworkers very often, and conflating your relationship with any one of them over an off-handed comment would not be worth the hassle.

If you have an issue with a coworker, approach them or a higher-up with the issue rather than venting your disapproval with your peers. Have a firm stance in deterring gossip for the sake of your company and your integrity.

3. Set boundaries

During your first few months, you will probably say “yes” frequently as you aim to build good relations and make a good impression. Don’t make this a habit. After you’ve got an understanding of your role and responsibilities, and your workload, recognize your abilities and your limits. Prevent yourself from feeling overwhelmed by saying “no” when it’s appropriate.

Divulge with your teammates that you will abide by your work hours and your non-work hours accordingly. Therefore, only check and respond to emails during work hours. This will be a preventative measure against potential burnout. Preserving your well-being is essential for growth and longevity.

4. Assess your progress

After you’ve experienced your first few months on the job, look back at what you’ve done and how you’ve done it, and where there’s room for improvement. To further, ask your manager or mentor for feedback. While it may seem daunting, it will be beneficial to you and will probably please and impress your higher-ups. Have an open mind and don’t take any comments personally. Instead, see it as a good thing that you’re receiving constructive criticism rather than a reprimanding, and see it as an opportunity to grow.

5. Set goals

A great way to foster professional growth is to set goals for yourself. Once you’ve gotten the swing of your role and workload, realistically contemplate goals that you want to and can achieve. Aim for long and short-term goals. Whether it’s to master a certain skill, or grow your network, or achieve a promotion, setting goals may help keep you engaged and motivated.

Create accountability by either sharing your plans with your mentor or teammates and setting specific times to conduct your goals and measuring your progress on them.

The End of the Beginning

As you assimilate into your new workspace, be patient with yourself. Mistakes are inevitable as you find your footing. Don’t fixate on them. It matters more how you respond to them rather than the fact that you’ve made them.

Instead, acknowledge how far you’ve come. Because out of all the potential candidates, you were chosen as the new hire. Believe in yourself and know that your best is yet to come.

 

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