Starting the first seat of your training contract can be a daunting experience. The whirlwind of meeting new colleagues, grasping unfamiliar terminology, and navigating various IT systems can feel overwhelming. This feeling can be intensified when joining a particularly busy team. However, these initial feelings should not deter you from pursuing the seats you are eager to experience. In my case, I was fortunate to secure my first choice seat, corporate. While I anticipated a busy six months, the Autumn budget certainly amplified my experience and taught me valuable strategies to thrive in a demanding first seat. So, I thought I would share my top tips for managing the challenges of a busy first seat, to help you embrace the opportunity with confidence.
My first piece of advice is simple yet crucial: ask questions. In a fast-paced environment, you may receive only a brief overview of tasks, which can lead to uncertainty about how to proceed. To tackle this, begin by carefully reviewing the instructions and take the initiative to read about the matter from the documents in the file. This initial step often clarifies many doubts, allowing you to tackle the task independently. However, if you still find yourself unsure, don’t worry, approach your supervisor with structured questions. This proactive strategy not only demonstrates your willingness to learn but also puts you in the best position to complete the task to the best of your ability.
Another top tip is to request deadlines for your tasks. While some supervisors will automatically provide a timeline, this is not always the case. By asking your supervisor for a deadline, you can prioritise your workload effectively and focus on the more pressing tasks first. Not only does this approach help you manage your workload, but it also indicates to your supervisor that you are organised and enthusiastic to assist.
Creating a to-do list is another effective method for staying organised. I make it a routine to draft a list of tasks each Monday morning, categorising them by deadlines. This practice not only provides clarity on what needs to be accomplished during the week but also allows you to gauge your capacity for the week. You can then let the team know your capacity for the week rather than them having to check with you first. This demonstrates your enthusiasm to be involved in projects and puts you at the forefront of your team’s mind when opportunities for you to assist come up.
Finally, open communication is essential. One of the main goals of your seats is to gain as much experience as possible in a short period. There may be occasions when you are asked to assist on a project, but you are already engaged with another task. Instead of declining outright, inform your supervisor that you are currently undertaking a task but would be happy to assist later if possible. This approach shows your willingness to contribute, leaving a positive impression on your supervisor. Even if the opportunity doesn’t materialise, your proactive communication may encourage them to consider you for future projects.
While starting your first seat can indeed be overwhelming, implementing these strategies can ease the transition and help you thrive in a busy environment. It is also important to remember that your supervisor and team will understand that you are in your first seat and will help to adapt your workload and responsibilities appropriately. Embrace the challenges and remember that each busy day brings an opportunity for growth and development in your journey to becoming qualified.
