Tips to kickstart your new software job

Hi people, it's almost 1.5 years since I started working as a software developer. I still remember how I felt when I newly joined my project team, the doubts, fears I have. I know everyone will have that phase once you start working in software. So I want to list down somethings you need to do to make that phase a little smoother.

The below suggestions mentioned are from my personal experience. Initially when I was into a team due to my introverted nature I dint interact with my team. So, some people thought I was not interested in work, some felt I have poor technical skills or some took it as arrogance.

After three months, I got my first feedback, then I understood my mistakes, corrected them. I felt people like me need some advice, so started writing this article. Here it goes.

1)Once you are into the team, try to interact with your team. It's very important because it is with those people you are going to work for almost 8 hours a day or more. Buddy, even if you are an introvert like me come out of your comfort zone and do that.

2)Like in most of the teams, you will be assigned to a mentor who will help you in codebase setup. If not assigned you take initiative and ask your manager or lead to get help from someone. You may face some errors while setting up. Take help and do it from your mentor.

3)After that from your mentor or your team get to know about your project, resources, or documentation to know about your project, the tech stack on which you are going to work. You can also ask if they can give any KT sessions to know more about your project. Buddy these things you need to go and ask in most cases. Don't expect people to come to you because they may be occupied with their work, their deadlines, and some other things.

4)If you have technical doubts, first try to google it. Even then if you dint find the answer then go and ask. Tell them what you have done to know it. That helps them to know the effort which you put to learn things. But if you have doubts which are internal to your project, then directly go and ask as you cant find them on google.

5) Be organized while asking doubts. For example, you have studied documentation about a particular module in your project, list all your doubts in one place. Ping your teammate or your mentor and then ask them. It saves some time for them and for you too.

6)If you have any problems, speak up. Tell your manager about your problems or fears.

7) spend time efficiently. As a fresher, it's good to spend extra time learning things and at the same time don't be too workaholic. It may also affect your health in the future.

8)If it's more than a month you are into the team and not assigned any work. Go and ask your manager to assign some bugs or subtasks

9)Try to build connections in the office. Try to participate in office events that will help you to come out of your comfort zone

10)Also once you are comfortable with your work. Spend some time in upskilling for a bright future.

11)If you approach someone regarding doubt and they if they dint help you, don't take it to heart and don't feel they are mean to you. It is because of the work pressure they handle.

Last I want to mention, even this is beside our topic. Have some knowledge of financial planning and try to save money, this is out of my personal experience.

Thanks for reading.

Good luck :)