1. Avoid Direct Messaging for Every Inquiry

As a newcomer, you may have a designated buddy or mentor to assist you during onboarding. This person can be an invaluable resource for initial questions, guiding you in the right direction. However, as you settle into your role, it’s essential to learn how to seek answers independently. While direct messaging (DM) can be appropriate at times, many situations call for posting questions in a team channel. Here are a few instances where group inquiries are preferable:

• When feedback from multiple team members is essential.
• When your question could be answered by anyone on the team.
• When you're unsure who might have the answer, as DM-ing might create unnecessary back-and-forth.
• When your question might be relevant to others in the future.

Personally, I often find the idea of posting in a team channel anxiety-inducing. Regardless of how supportive my colleagues may be, I worry about asking a "dumb question" publicly or not receiving any responses. However, asking the group is generally much more effective, and overcoming this anxiety is crucial for the team's success.

Over time, you'll likely feel more comfortable asking questions in a group setting. In the meantime, consider these strategies to ease your worries:

• If your messaging platform supports threads, summarize your question briefly and then elaborate in a thread to keep the main message concise.
• Refrain from using blanket tags like @channel or @here unless it’s an urgent matter. While regular messages don't typically annoy others, excessive notifications can be frustrating.

The first video titled "How to BUILD GOOD HABITS and break bad ones? | Dr Patricia Thompson" offers insights into habit formation, which can help you navigate workplace challenges effectively.

2. Speak Up in Meetings

It can feel intimidating to voice your thoughts when you're the least experienced person in a room. However, it's important not to remain silent in meetings. Asking questions can significantly contribute to discussions. Team members who have worked on a project for an extended period may overlook aspects that confuse newcomers. Your fresh perspective can be invaluable.

Disagreeing with a more senior colleague may seem daunting, but consider this: if your idea is strong, it may impress your team. Even if it doesn’t become the chosen solution, sharing your thoughts demonstrates critical thinking and encourages constructive dialogue. If your idea has shortcomings, seasoned team members can help you identify them, providing a valuable learning experience.

You don’t need to speak in every meeting—observing is also beneficial—but remember that sharing your insights is vital to fulfilling your role.

3. Don’t Hesitate to Request Time

Reaching out to senior colleagues for assistance can feel daunting, but new engineers often receive a warm welcome from leadership. Many experienced professionals remember their early struggles and are eager to support newcomers. As a new hire, it’s perfectly acceptable to ask questions, and organizing your inquiries can minimize how often you reach out.

Engaging with colleagues doesn’t always have to be work-related. Networking over coffee can lead to fruitful discussions about your career trajectory. Keep in mind that your colleagues are adults capable of declining if they’re unavailable for chats.

4. Avoid Overworking Yourself

New employees may feel the need to prove themselves, leading to long hours and burnout. While the job can be demanding, it’s crucial to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Many engineers, myself included, often find it challenging to step away from complex problems, but excessive focus can lead to exhaustion.

To foster a sustainable work habit, consider the following:

• Ensure your team is prepared for your absence when you take time off, and communicate your plans in advance.
• Take regular breaks throughout the day to recharge.
• Share your work preferences with your manager to help create a productive routine.

5. Separate Your Identity from Your Job

In an era where company culture emphasizes community, it’s important to remember that you are more than your job title or company affiliation. While a supportive workplace can enhance morale, avoid tying your self-worth solely to your career. There are numerous organizations that can fulfill your professional aspirations, and it’s vital to maintain a sense of individuality beyond your role.

6. Advocate for Yourself

As a newcomer, it may be tempting to blend in, but it’s essential to express your needs and aspirations. Advocating for yourself is a skill to develop throughout your career, and it’s never too early to start.

Consider the following ways to advocate for yourself:

• Suggest improvements for the work environment.
• Request additional responsibilities if your tasks feel stagnant.
• Discuss salary adjustments if warranted.
• Communicate your interest in promotions.

7. Don’t Assume There’s Nothing to Do

If you find yourself without tasks, don’t hesitate to ask for more work. Many new engineers are unaware that they can request additional responsibilities. Often, managers err on the side of caution and assign less work initially, so reaching out can provide valuable learning opportunities.

8. Look Beyond Technology

While technical skills are vital, remember that technology serves a purpose in the real world. A proficient software engineer understands not just how to build systems, but why they are being developed. Balancing technical knowledge with an understanding of the business context is essential.

9. Acknowledge Your Privilege

The tech industry grapples with inequality, and it’s crucial to recognize the advantages you may have as a software engineer. Many newcomers focus excessively on compensation, which can foster negative attitudes toward companies and their employees. It’s essential to advocate for fair pay without disparaging the intelligence of others in the industry.

Starting a new career presents challenges, and mistakes are part of the learning process. By adopting positive habits early on, you can enhance your contributions to your team and foster personal growth.

Thank you for reading! If you’re interested in learning about technical habits to adopt, stay tuned for part two!

Sincerely,

Lindsay

The second video, "7 Habits of Highly Effective Programmers," outlines essential practices that can elevate your effectiveness as a software engineer.