10 Thing I've Learned In My First Post-MSW Job
By: Kristen Marie (Kryss) Shane, LMSW
1. Your New Boss is Your Friend…
Most media show bosses of main characters as conniving, demanding, and downright awful. Although some likely are, most are just humans, trying to get their own jobs done and hoping that the new person on staff (you) will make the day easier. Coming in with the assumption that she or he is out to get you starts your relationship off on the defensive, which is never good for a professional relationship’s growth.
2. Be Kind to Support Staff…
With a shiny new degree, it’s easy to feel like a king, but the secret at most agencies is that the receptionist, secretary, and janitor often know more about the inner workings of the office than anyone. They’re great sources of information about office culture, and they can sometimes clue you in to where to find the best office supplies, when to avoid the boss, and other tidbits of information that’ll make your day easier.
3. Get It In Writing…
Any time the boss tells you that it’s okay to be a few minutes late to the office because you worked late the night before, approves your time off, or thanks you for a job well done, communicate in writing when possible. Thanks to e-mail, this is easier than ever to do. This way, you have a written record in case your boss questions your tardiness in the morning, questions why you’ll be gone for a week, or when there’s a job review. Besides, being able to show consistent communication and how much the boss appreciates you in his or her own words makes for a great starting point to discuss a raise!
4. Make Yourself At Home…
Think of it as being an overnight guest in someone’s home; it’s okay to take your own pillow for the bed, but not so wise to take along 743 photos of your relatives to place everywhere. In other words, if having your favorite art print, a coffee mug you enjoy, or a decorative mouse pad makes you feel less like you’re working in a generic box, it’s okay to keep them in your office—but don’t go overboard. It’s wise to consider the social implications of what personal items others see, so consider the office politics and culture before displaying photos of you and your friends in bathing suits on the beach or that funny sign you love about how you’d rather be doing anything other than working. What might remind you of sunshine or free time may cause your boss to wonder why she or he knows that you have your navel pierced or question why you were hired if you’d rather be elsewhere.
5. Boundaries at Home…
Your friends have likely gotten used to your schedule before this job began, which may have allowed you to be up late or sleeping in. Remind them that this is no longer the case, and stick to your guns about when you’ll stop taking phone calls in the evening or when you’ll be out socializing. Otherwise, you’ll give less than your best in the office, and you’ll end up needing to use your sick days within the first weeks of your new job.
6. Boundaries at Work…
It’s very common for a new employee to want to feel a part of the gang and for the staff to want to know all about their new colleague. Be careful! Not only do you not know the politics and culture of the workplace yet; you also don’t want to be the office gossip of the day. Save rehashing the worst blind date ever for your sister, the rash you woke up with for your doctor, and the 500 photos of your kids/grandkids/pets for your friends. If you know you’re someone who can be naturally chatty (or who does so when nervous), think ahead and come up with some topics you can share without crossing your own lines.
7. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask…
In my last internship before graduating, I didn’t drink liquids all day my first week, because I didn’t know where the bathroom was until a staff member mentioned going and I watched to see where she went. Don’t be so afraid to ask a “stupid” question that you risk bladder damage—that’s “stupid.”
8. Ask Around…
Find out what others do if ever possible. It may be that they allow you to assist in an area of work you otherwise wouldn’t have known existed, allowing you to become more well-rounded. It may be that someone knows how to do something you’ve always wanted to learn or that you had no idea you’d enjoy. In addition, it allows you to network (you didn’t think networking time ended when you got a job, did you?).
9. Learn to Balance…
Before you had a job, perhaps your life was a mix of socializing and job hunting in your PJs. Lately, perhaps your life has been all about work while you learn the ropes at your new agency. Once you get more settled in, work on finding a balance between work and life. It’s definitely tricky, especially when it’s so easy for us to take thoughts of our clients home, but all work and no play not only makes for a dull social worker, it makes for one who burns out quickly. Remind yourself that it benefits everyone when you unwind and let loose regularly.
10. Look Ahead…
Now that you have a routine going, consider the future. Register for CEUs. Seek to find out the requirements for the position that’s a level above yours, so you can begin to cultivate those skills. Prepare for a licensing exam. Consider taking an intern. Offer your knowledge as a guest expert on socialworkchat.org. In other words, don’t get complacent, and always think ahead!
Kristen Marie (Kryss) Shane, MSW, LMSW, earned her BS at The Ohio State University and her MSW at Barry University. She is currently working with the elder population as the program director at HANAC’s Ravenswood NORC in Astoria, NY. She is also on staff at www.socialworkchat.org and continues to be an advocate for the LGBTQ community on local and national levels.