Tips for Recent Graduates and Their Supervisors

Summer brings with it a new group of graduates, many of whom will be entering the workforce for the first time. Beginning your first professional job can be daunting and it's not always easy to know how to get started and where pitfalls may be looming. Whether you're a recent graduate or his/her supervisor, the tips below can help to start things off on the right foot:

Tips for New Employees:

• Always arrive at work on time or a little early. Keep in mind this is not like school where you may have been able to slip in late without being noticed, and be sure to allow plenty of time to get to work. 

• Dress appropriately given the norms of your workplace and look professional. Ask your supervisor what is appropriate attire for work, and take note of how others around you are dressed, particularly those who have succeeded within the University. 

• Dig in and learn. The research you did for your interviews was just the starting point. Take every opportunity to learn about your new department and the University, look back at previous projects, and find out what has worked for others. This is your time to ask questions. While you shouldn't be afraid to ask questions, make sure they are meaningful and that you show your are anxious to learn and perform well. 

• Pay attention and listen. While asking questions is important, so too is listening. Study your new environment and the informal relationships and reporting structures. Learn the norms and standards in your unit and how things work. For example, how do colleagues communicate (e.g. is email or voice mail preferred, or some other means)? How are decisions made? Are interactions between colleagues more formal or informal? 

• Build relationships within the University. The power of relationships cannot be overstated, and sometimes the most helpful relationships come from where you least expect them. It's important to look both up and down the organizational structure, and also reach out to those who may be in other parts of the University. 

• Remember that how you get things done matters. While results are important, come in with the mindset that no work is too trivial and that you learn from every task no matter how insignificant it may seem. If you approach your first job with an openness and willingness to pitch in and learn, you'll be amazed by the opportunities that can follow.
   
• Remember that how you speak and the language you use is important in contributing to a positive work environment.  Look for university policies and other ways that expected workplace behavior is described.

Tips for Supervisors: 

• Set clear expectations for when your new employee should arrive and the consequences of being late. 

• Let your new employee know the expectations for dress in the office. Communicate things that are off limits and any must-haves. 

• Help your new employee locate information and resources that may be helpful for him/her to review. Be available to answer questions and to provide background and context on the department and any projects you've asked your new employee to work on. 

• Remember to share the less obvious things your new employee may be wondering - how things are done and what the real keys to success are within the unit. 

• Help your new employee identify key individuals within the University with whom to build relationships, and help make the introductions whenever possible. 

• Set expectations with your new employee regarding the behaviors and norms you expect from your team and foster that culture within your department.

Back to Basics:  'Lead' vs 'Supervisor'

Our 'Back to Basics' series is designed to provide foundational compensation knowledge within the larger context of the Northwestern University experience.  Past articles have focused on a wide variety of topics, some with external or legislative relevance, as well as those with relevance to Northwestern.  As we continue to move forward with the creation and implementation of Job Families, it is important to understand the differences between 'Lead' titles, and 'Supervisor' titles within our organization.

What Does It Mean When We Use the 'Lead' Titling Designation?

• The primary duties of this role are similar to those performed by other levels in the job family;
• Additional responsibilities covered by the Lead may include orienting new employees, training, assigning work, checking work, and providing subject matter expertise;
• This role generally provides support to other employees, most often to those at a lower level within the job family;
• The Lead is not responsible for hiring/firing, disciplinary actions, pay recommendations, etc.;
• They are exempt only if the other levels in the job family are exempt.

What Does the Title of 'Supervisor' Mean?

• This role's primary duty is supervising the staff;
• In addition to 'Lead' responsibilities, a Supervisor also participates in hiring/firing, disciplinary actions, and pay recommendations;
• They do not perform the same work as staff;
• Generally, they are responsible for a group of employees; and
• The Supervisor role is typically exempt.

For more information on discerning the differences between 'Lead' and 'Supervisor' roles, please contact the Compensation Consultant that supports your area or your manager.