Andy note: this was originally posted on 9/17/12
Many of you are just rolling off of your training programs and starting your first rotation as a full timer. Much like when starting your first internship, there are certain things you should and shouldn’t do when you're the new guy. Having just received a new crop of analysts (read: cheap and willing labor), I thought about my experience a few years ago. Being the new person on the team is tough, especially when this is your first full time job straight out of school. This won't be the first time you're the effin' new guy and it won't be the last. Read on for tips on how to survive when you’re the FNG.
If you’re the FNG and you’re at work while reading this you’re already f*cking up. This is like a new relationship; you can’t be yourself until about 3 months in. Just kidding, if you’ve mastered the alt+tab trick, then keep on truckin’.
First things first. Don’t F*ck up. This applies to anything they make you do; even if it’s making copies or ordering lunch for the group. Everyone knows you’re the new guy, but you don’t want to be called out for being the F*cking new guy who messed something up.
Introduce yourself and remember names
Knowing who the right people are in your group is important so you don’t bother the wrong person with your “I’m the new guy” questions. You’ll also need to know who you should stay away from. Don’t take it personally if they get your name wrong, but don’t get their's wrong. When you meet someone new, write down their name and repeat it back to them. “I’m bad with names” just isn’t gonna fly.
When someone is taking time to teach you something, Take Notes
I’ve been tasked many times with training the FNGs. I’m already annoyed that I have to do it so don’t make me feel like I’m just wasting my time because you’re not paying attention and you’re just going to come back and ask the same questions later. Take notes, act interested, and listen.
Add Value
Your goal should be to add value to the team within the first 30 days. This should be a conversation you have with your manager day 1 (earlier if possible). What can you do to hit the ground running and stop being a waste of space? Ask the right questions to gage where you should be and what the expectations are. Don’t just sit there and expect people to fall over themselves to bring you up to speed.
Don’t be too overeager
Your first few weeks are going to be slow. Cherish it. It was one thing to be overeager and extremely pro-active during your internship – you only had 8-10 weeks to prove yourself. This is your full time role, so it’s ok if you’re not up to your ears in work just yet. Don’t go around asking everyone you know for work to do. Not only are you shoving it in their face that you have free time, but you’ll start to sound like a needy-chick, and well no one likes those. Be proactive in your willingness to learn and offer to shadow people to get a feel for how the team works, but don’t send out a blast email asking to be put on a deal you’re interested in.
Office politics- learn it
You’re the new guy. Which means you are lowest of the low on the totem pole. That means you shouldn’t email your MD asking for work to do. If you’re unsure of what to do, or if you should be reaching out to someone more senior than you, ask first. Nothing more embarrassing than having an MD email you’re manager asking why you’re bothering him.
Don’t act like anything is beneath you
You’re not going to be put on any deals right away. You need to earn everyone’s trust. So check your ego at the door and do what you need to do. As the saying goes, the best way to appreciate your job is to imagine yourself without one.
Never say you’re too busy…for anything
If someone invites you out for coffee or lunch, don’t turn them down and say you’re too busy. Chances are everyone knows all you’re doing is mandatory HR trainings. This will only put off you’re coworkers and you should be trying to get to know them.
Most importantly though, be yourself. Just kidding. Be on good behavior with your team (so no coming in hungover or still drunk) for the first few weeks until you get a feel for everyone on your team. The last thing you want to do is get too comfortable, too soon. Especially with more and more shops taking away the 2 year contract “safety net”
Good luck to this fall’s class of analysts - may the force be with you. And to the seasoned veterans out there, what tips do you have for the new kids on the block.
When I started I bought all my superiors $10 starbucks gift cards...worked like a charm.
What if your associate asks you to shine their shoes because the shoe-shine guy didn't show? It's a legitimate request from the associate's POV because he needs his shoes to be shiny for the client meeting, but if your MD sees you shining shoes, it would create a unique first week impression. Any 'color' on what you do here?
Is this really something that has come up with you? haha I doubt that you will be made to shine shoes. While you are the low man on the totem pole, it behooves them to teach you something so that you can be productive when you're a An2 or whatever..
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