How to ace the first 90 days of your new design job

Starting a new job can be overwhelming, especially if it’s at a big company. There are new faces to remember, processes to learn, and a ton of information to absorb. It’s tempting to dive right in and start making changes, but that’s not always the best approach. In this blog post, Career Coach & Ex-Design Lead at Shopify, Helen Tran, shares a proven 3-part plan to ace the first 90 days at your new design job.

It’s your first few months at a big company. What are you going to do? Instead of going in with your guns blazing, split your first few months into 3 parts.

Dribbble – CPC Tips – 16×9 – 90 Day Success.mp4

1. Learn

The first 30 days should be all about learning. Take the time to familiarize yourself with the company, its products, and its people. Attend meetings and ask questions. Talk to colleagues and get to know their roles and responsibilities. Learn about the company’s culture and values. This will help you understand how the company operates and where you fit in.

2. Assess

Once you’ve spent some time getting to know the company, use the next 30 days to assess your project. Talk to your manager and figure out your goals. Lay out the tasks you need to complete and set a timeline. Make sure you have a clear understanding of what’s expected of you and what success looks like.

3. Focus

The final 30 days should be dedicated to completing your project. Focus on getting it done and doing it well. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it. Collect feedback and use it to make improvements. Celebrate your successes and learn from your mistakes.

Ace your first 3 months

By splitting your first few months into these three parts, you can ensure that you’re making the most of your time at the company. Take the time to learn, assess, and focus on your project. By the end of your first 90 days, you’ll have a solid understanding of the company and your role within it. Good luck!