You finished your co-op search, accepted a job offer, and have an official start date. You are eager to dive into the professional world, but are probably experiencing some first day jitters too. Whether it’s your first job or you have previous work experience, here are 7 tips to quickly become their favorite co-op yet!

Dress the Part and Arrive on Time
It sounds easy, but you would be surprised how many students overlook the importance of dressing professionally and being punctual. It will take some time before you can meaningfully contribute to the team. In the interim, you can at least dazzle them with your attitude and work ethic. For the first week, dress a few notches above the organization’s standard dress code. This will allow you to observe what others are wearing and will ensure you haven’t misunderstood their definition of “casual.” Allot for traffic if you are commuting and be sure to log-on a few minutes early if working remotely.

Take Notes
Most co-op students say it takes a full 30 days before they find their rhythm. Starting a new job can feel a bit like drinking from a fire hydrant! You are learning new systems, meeting team members, navigating a new office space, and this is all on top of learning the ins and outs of your position. Carry a notebook at all times and designate 1 page to each of these categories.

First, Company Lingo! This is your space to jot down various acronyms, jargon, and industry buzz words. Some may be explained to you, while the rest you can look up later. The second page should be devoted to People. This is where you can write down names, job titles, departments, and any pertinent details about your new teammates. The third page is for Questions. You won’t have time to ask all your inquiries in real time, so it’s important to have a dedicated space that you can refer back to during your next 1:1 meeting with your supervisor.

Establish Professional Development Goals
To make the most of your cooperative education experience, think critically about what you want to learn on the job and how you will measure achievement. Each student in UML’s Professional Co-op Program is required to meet with their supervisor in the first few weeks to establish 3-5 learning objectives. This ensures a collaborative relationship with your supervisor and creates a more purposeful and mutually beneficial co-op experience. Sample goals might include learning a software system related to your industry or gaining confidence while presenting in meetings.

Ask Questions – They are Expecting Them!
When we ask returning students what they would do differently, they almost always say they would ask more questions. As a student employee, you are not expected to know everything on day 1. Asking questions will help you get acclimated, but it also signals that you are eager, curious, and teachable. Questions are not just for your supervisor! Get into the practice of engaging others on your team so you can get to know them and learn new perspectives.

Over time, evolve your approach from simply asking a question to asking the question while also posing a potential solution. This shows you are becoming more comfortable with the role and that you are attempting to problem-solve independently. Returning students also report that asking colleagues if they need help with anything is a simple, yet effective way to show you’re engaged.

Determine How Your Role Impacts the Organization
One of the fastest ways to become a meaningful contributor is to have a clear understanding of how your role and the work of your team fits into the big picture. Who are your customers? What does success look like for your team? What are your team’s specific challenges? How does your role relate to the organization’s mission? Learning the answers to these questions will motivate you and help you feel connected to the organization. It can also help you brainstorm new ways to solve problems and proactively identify issues.

Observe Your Team’s Work Style
Spend time observing your team’s interactions and behaviors so you can better understand team norms. How do they communicate with each other? When does your supervisor prefer to meet? How often does the team update each other on their progress? Do they eat lunch at their desks or spend that time socializing? Believe it or not, each team within the same organization may have their own sub-cultures so it’s important to understand what makes your team unique. You may even ask your peers, “What should I know about the team’s work style so I can jump right in and be productive?”

Get Some Rest
Working your first full-time job can be draining, so give yourself time to adjust to your new schedule. While taking classes, you have frequent breaks throughout the day and don’t feel the pressure of being “on” every moment. At work, however, you are constantly juggling how to contribute, be social, and continue learning.

One of the many benefits of co-op is that you can leave work behind at the end of the day and take a break from homework/studying. Be sure to use nights and weekends to relax and recharge.

Getting started at a new job can be nerve-wracking, but using these tips will set you up for success. Remember, their first impression of you is usually NOT based on job performance. It is based on your enthusiasm, work ethic, communication skills, and overall demeanor. Show them you are ready to learn by asking questions and understanding how their work helps move the company forward. From there, you will be ready to hit the ground running and succeed in your role!