Often, the skills and experiences you’ve developed in your current role won’t map neatly onto what you need in a new one—especially if you’ve moved not just jobs, but careers. The initial fit can feel uncomfortable as you learn how to operate in a new environment.
Changing careers takes time and courage, so if you’ve crossed into a new sector or work area, congratulations. That’s no small achievement.
Below are some practical tips to help you settle in well.
Capitalise on your newness
Coming from a different background is a strength, even if it’s not immediately obvious to others. While you’re new, take time to listen, observe, and absorb the culture, dynamics, and ways of working.
Use your newness to ask “naïve” questions—particularly in the first few months. For example:
“That’s a really interesting way to approach x—can you help me understand the thinking behind it?”
Every workplace has its own language and jargon. Ask what acronyms mean and make a note of unfamiliar terms so you can quickly develop your organisational fluency.
Find a buddy
Less formal than a mentor, a workplace buddy is someone you can check in with as you settle in—particularly around aspects of culture that are unlikely to be covered during your induction.
These ‘unwritten rules’ are often picked up through informal conversations: staff birthday etiquette, how cover is managed, or what’s acceptable in meetings.
If you work virtually some of the time, these cues are easier to miss. If a buddy isn’t assigned automatically, ask whether someone would be willing to meet with you regularly while you find your feet.
Request a mentor
A mentor can offer perspective, advice, and reassurance—ideally someone who has been in your shoes. Often this works best when they are operating at the next level up and not in your immediate team.
You may choose to settle in for a few weeks before asking, or you might already have someone in mind who would be a good fit.
Observe others
Rather than looking for a single role model, learn by observing different people. Everyone has strengths worth noticing.
- Who runs meetings particularly well?
- Who handles difficult conversations with ease?
- Who gives compelling presentations?
You can experiment with different approaches—borrowing what works and discarding what doesn’t. This kind of ‘fast prototyping’ accelerates your ability to adapt.
Expect things to feel clunky at first. You’re moving from conscious incompetence towards unconscious competence, and that takes time. Some approaches will stick; others won’t—and that’s fine. Changing roles often requires changing aspects of how you operate.
Be true to yourself
While learning from others matters, your uniqueness is what got you here. You may find it helpful to complete the FREE StandOut Strengths questionnaire to clarify what you bring to the role.
Invest time in developing the strengths that energise you and. Look for opportunities where you can shine—and where others can see you doing so.
Identify a sponsor
Longer term, if you’re looking to progress, consider identifying a sponsor: a senior person who will champion you, help open doors and introduce you to other influential stakeholders.
For leaders
If you’ve stepped into a leadership role, prioritise listening. Take time to understand what staff do, what works well, and where the frustrations lie.
Being accepted as a leader can be harder if you don’t share the same professional background. Credibility grows when people feel understood. If you can remove barriers, simplify processes, and make it easier for people to do their jobs well, trust will follow.
The art of life lies in a constant readjustment to our surroundings. Kakuzō Okakura