Set them up for success
You only have one opportunity to make a lasting impression on entry-level workers
Photo by jose aljovin on Unsplash
Way back in 2009, I was an eager new Associate in PwC’s Risk Assurance practice. It was July 27th, my first day of work as a real adult. I arrived at the 125 High St building and found a table under a large “Welcome New Hires!” banner. I and a few others were led up the elevator to a very large conference room that was setup to seat about 30 people. I joined a few other new Associates at one of the tables and waited for the party to start.
That conference room was our home for the next few weeks. We learned about PwC, we learned about working in professional services, we learned how to take notes while maintaining eye contact, we got lunch together, and we went out after work together. There was no pressure of “working,” just an expectation that you were learning and forming relationships.
I wish that everyone could start their career like this. PwC got it right because they did it every year all over the country. The process had to scale given the volume of new Associates entering the organization each year.
Where does your organization stand on this? When you have a college/entry-level hire, do they just join the team? Is there something more formal?
The rest of this article is going to assume that your organization is deficient when it comes to people with no work experience. There is, unfortunately, a lot of evidence that says most companies are just not getting this right.
Remember, this is their first real job. The experience will stick with them forever.
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