The first day is always the scariest, but it will also be the day you do the least amount of work, so enjoy it! The first week can feel overwhelming, so try to get a good night’s sleep and eat a proper breakfast to start the day right.

Meeting Your Team & First Impressions

You will first meet your line manager, team, and other company members. On my first day, the placement students and I had to share a fun fact about ourselves (so have one ready!). Try to make a good first impression by introducing yourself to everyone and being polite and friendly.

Understanding Your Role

It’s important to ask questions if you’re unsure about anything and to show enthusiasm. Take time to understand your role and get familiar with your tasks and responsibilities. Read any company materials or guidelines provided. On my first day, I received a document summarising the company’s work, which I found really helpful to go through.

Settling Into the Workplace

Whether you’re working in the office, hybrid, or remotely (mine was hybrid), understanding the workplace culture is key. Pay attention to how teams communicate and collaborate, as this will help you fit in smoothly.

Asking for Help & Support

Know who to go to for guidance; this might be your line manager or an HR representative. Don’t be afraid to ask for help; being proactive shows initiative, and it’s completely normal to need support in the beginning.

Key Takeaways & Advice

• If possible, try to go into the office every day during your first week. This will help you meet everyone properly and make it easier for people to remember you. I found that I sometimes forgot names, and others forgot mine, which made later interactions a bit awkward.
• Stay open-minded and adaptable. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but keeping a positive mindset will help you enjoy your placement more.
• Feeling nervous is completely normal! For many (including me), this was the first ‘office’ job, so I felt out of place at first. But remember, the first week is all about learning; embrace the experience!

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Big thanks to Sumyia Islam, one of our BA Business Management students, for writing this article!

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