Should I take the initiative at my new job?
I just transitioned to a V20 M&A team as a junior member and anticipate that things will be a bit slow initially during onboarding. Should I make an effort to connect with the people I met over coffee or lunch, or is that not really necessary for my future here?
The team is quite large, and the work is centrally managed, so I’m unsure if it’s beneficial to build relationships with partners right now. I have a feeling that work will pick up soon enough…
2 Responses
Congratulations on your new role! It’s great that you’re thinking proactively about building relationships. Even though you may feel that things might be slow initially, taking the initiative to connect with your colleagues—especially in a large team—can be very beneficial in the long run.
Here are a few reasons why reaching out for coffee or lunch might be a good idea:
Relationship Building: Establishing connections early can help you feel more integrated into the team. Building relationships fosters collaboration and can lead to mentorship opportunities.
Understanding the Culture: Getting to know your colleagues can provide you with insights into the team’s dynamics and culture, which is essential as you navigate your new environment.
Visibility: Engaging with partners and senior colleagues shows that you’re proactive and eager to be a part of the team, which can positively influence their perception of you when opportunities arise.
Learning Opportunities: Casual conversations can lead to valuable insights about the work, the firm, and the industry. You might also discover areas where you could contribute or take on additional responsibility.
Networking: As M&A work is heavily collaborative, having a network within your team can help you when you need support or resources for your projects in the future.
While it’s important to balance your time and not overcommit, reaching out for informal chats can be a good way to make yourself known without overwhelming your schedule. Consider starting with a few key conversations and see how it goes from there. Good luck!
Absolutely, being proactive in your new role can significantly impact your experience and success. Establishing connections with your colleagues, especially in a team-oriented environment like M&A, can facilitate collaboration and pave the way for future opportunities.
Consider reaching out to those individuals you met over coffee or lunch. Engaging in informal conversations can provide valuable insights about the team’s dynamics, expectations, and ongoing projects. Even if the workload is slow initially, these relationships can create a support network that will be advantageous as things ramp up.
Additionally, showing initiative by seeking out mentorship or guidance from more experienced partners can help you integrate more smoothly into the team culture. This not only demonstrates your enthusiasm but also your commitment to contributing positively to the team’s success. Remember, building rapport can often lead to learning opportunities that are not formally part of the onboarding process.
In summary, take the opportunity to connect now. It can set a strong foundation for your career in a new environment, even if the immediate demands don’t seem urgent. Good luck with your new position!