Adjusting to a new world of being a professional software engineer

Everyone has a learning curve, their first job or first couple of jobs before they learn how to adapt and thrive in most work environments. This environment is a collective of the people you work with, the company culture, policies, people management strategies, and more. For someone who’s in for their first job, it can get pretty intimidating to navigate through this new world. Here we have a few tips to combat a negative experience through this transition (because you’ll be thriving soon before you know it!)

Company Culture;

Go prepared before your first day, the internet is also a powerful tool in this regard. LinkedIn can help give you a sense of your coworkers before you meet them, and a company. Glassdoor can give you anonymous reviews along with further insights. However, not every single company can promise good company culture. Some may present themselves as having a fun, productive, and supportive environment, but you can’t expect this environment to be consistent.

Company Policies;

There might be some days where you’ll feel stretched out maybe because of the deadline and sometimes your colleagues. Sometimes you might feel you aren’t getting benefits that are worth the time you spend at your new job, or the staff policies are too stringent, however, you could always communicate your worries with your HR manager or immediate manager.

People Management Strategies;

Different teams with different managers function in different ways. No two teams are alike, so you’ll have to give it time to adjust to the harmony of your current team before you start drawing conclusions.

Conclusion? Don’t quit right away, don’t compare your current experience with your friends or your own previous ones. Remember that where you at now is what you’ve been dreaming of for the last few years. Reflect if what you are facing right now is worth dropping what you have worked hard for. Remember to focus on what you can control and that is how you react to what you are dealing with, and always remember to communicate!