How to Make New Friends in Your First Graduate Job
Entering a new workplace can stir up a mix of emotions — excitement, nerves, and the uncertainty of forming connections with your new coworkers. While the primary focus of your role naturally revolves around fulfilling daily job responsibilities, there’s an underlying concern about the social aspect of the workplace dynamic and building meaningful connections and friendships within the team.
Worried about making new friends in the workplace? Here are a few tips to take on board to make things that little bit easier:
Embrace your new environment
Your first day at work might stir up a whirlwind of feelings, perhaps even reminding you of those jittery moments on your first day of school. It’s completely normal to feel a bit nervous, especially when faced with the unknown. You might find yourself wondering who to talk to or how to navigate this new environment. Remember, it’s a chance to make a fresh start.
Instead of letting worry overshadow your experience, embrace it all with an open mind. Take the initiative to introduce yourself to your new colleagues, showing genuine interest in their stories and experiences. Remember, everyone has been the ‘newbie’ at some point, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you need a helping hand or feel a little out of your depth. You’ll likely find that most of your new colleagues are happy to assist and are keen to help you settle in.
Work in communal areas
If your workplace offers the flexibility to work in communal areas, take advantage of it. Closed-off offices may limit opportunities for spontaneous interactions with colleagues, leaving you feeling isolated and possibly, bored.
Choosing to work in shared spaces can open doors to new interactions. In the first few days, you may find yourself engaging in conversations with colleagues from other departments and potentially, even, uncovering common interests. It’s also a great way to get involved with impromptu brainstorming sessions or enjoy casual chats over a cup of coffee.
Find a shared accommodation
Living in shared accommodation can be a fantastic way to ease the transition into a new job while also expanding your social circle. You’ll be surrounded by people who are likely going through similar experiences — adjusting to a new job or simply looking for companionship in a totally new city.
If you’re someone who enjoys being around people, there’s nothing quite like coming back home after a tiring day at work and being greeted by friendly faces. Whether you’re working together to whip up dinner, sitting down to watch a movie, or just having a casual chat over a cup of tea, sharing your living space with others creates a great opportunity for bonding.
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Be positive
In those early days of a new job, it’s normal to feel a bit awkward as you get used to everything — your tasks, your coworkers, even where the coffee machine is! However, trying to maintain a positive outlook can significantly influence your experience. Positivity has a magnetic effect — it attracts others towards you.
Your cheerful attitude doesn’t just make you easy to approach; it also makes you someone that people genuinely enjoy being around. Having the ‘likability factor’ boosts the chances of your co-workers wanting to start conversations with you.
Are you still searching for that perfect graduate job opportunity? If you haven’t had any luck yet, reach out to Inspiring Interns. They specialize in connecting recent graduates with exciting job opportunities from leading companies and employers.
