Congratulations on the new job! Whether you’re a recent grad or a seasoned professional, starting a new position is both exciting and nerve-wracking. The first few months are crucial for setting the tone for your entire career at the company. Making a strong, positive impressive early on isn’t just about getting noticed; it’s about building a solid foundation for future success.
Those first weeks are your change to prove you’re an asset. While it’s normal to feel a bit lost and out of place, taking initiative and being proactive shows you’re engaged. Employees who dive in, ask thoughtful questions, and make an effort to connect with their new teammates are often the ones who will stand out. On the flip side, people who hide in the background, avoid taking on challenges, or make repeated early mistakes often struggle to shake an early established reputation.
Dive into the Details
Your first task is to become a student of your new role and absorb knowledge. While you might think you know what the job entails from the interviews and prior experience, the reality is often more nuanced.
- Understand the “How”: Beyond the job description, figure out the unwritten rules and workflows. What is the workflow for managing systems in this organization? What are the preferred change management procedures or incident response protocols? Is there a ticketing system and specific workflow?
- Success vs. Trouble: For a system administrator, success is often tied to reliability, security, and efficiency. Define what actions or behaviors get people recognized and promoted. Is it an impeccable uptime record, automating mundane repetitive tasks, or a reputation for quick troubleshooting and system restoration? Conversely, what actions lead to problems? Is it skipping change control, a poor understanding of security policies or workflows, or a lack of documentation? Ask your manager or a trusted colleague for guidance.
Look for Ways to Improve
Once you have a handle on the basics, you can start looking for opportunities to add value. This isn’t about criticizing the current system, but about demonstrating your ability to think critically and contribute to the bigger picture.
- Analyze the Role: Where is there room for improvement within the current infrastructure? Is there a legacy system that needs to be migrated or unknown risks that should be brought to leadership? By identifying these opportunities, you show initiative and an eye for optimization.
- Improve Yourself: This is a chance for personal and professional growth. Are there skills you need to develop to be a more effective administrator? Perhaps learning a new cloud platform, getting a certification in a specific technology, or improving your scripting skills? By proactively addressing your own growth, you show a strong commitment to your career and aligning to the company’s necessities.
Your Secret Weapon: The 30/60/90 Day Plan
While your first days are all about soaking up information, the best way to demonstrate your strategic thinking is to develop a 30/60/90 day plan. This isn’t just a to-do list; it’s a roadmap for success that shows your manager you’re thinking proactively about how to add value.
- First 30 Days (Learn & Observe): Focus on onboarding and understanding the environment. Your goals here are about listening, learning, and getting familiar with the key systems, people, and standard operating procedures.
- Next 60 Days (Apply & Contribute): Now it’s time to put that knowledge to work. You should be taking on small tasks, contributing to projects, and starting to identify areas where you can make a real impact.
- Final 90 Days (Lead & Optimize): By this point, you should be a contributing member of the team. Your goals here can shift to leading a small project, optimizing a key process, or taking ownership of a specific system.
Starting a new job can be a challenge, but by embracing the first 90-days as a period of focused learning and action, you’re not just getting by – you’re building a foundation for your career at the company. Your proactive approach to understanding your role, building relationships with key stakeholders, and identifying areas for improvement will set you apart from day one. Remember, your first impression lasts, so lead by example and continue to push forward. Even after the 90-day mark, the best employees don’t slow down; they keep learning, keep growing, and keep looking for ways to make their team and their company better.
