Do you remember that iconic scene from ‘Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade’ where Harrison Ford finds himself on the edge of an abyss? The maps indicated that it was the path to the Holy Grail, but when he reaches the edge, there is no bridge to cross, and he has no way forward. In that moment, he recalls the phrase:

‘Only the one who leaps from the lion’s head will prove his worth’

and says,

‘Impossible, no one could jump this.’

Nevertheless, he decides to trust himself, takes that first step, and discovers an invisible bridge that he couldn’t initially see from his perspective.

This scene is more than an exciting cinematic feat; it’s a powerful metaphor.

That ‘invisible bridge’ perfectly describes my experience, that of a junior after a complete 360-degree change in the field who has to navigate a completely unknown path. This bridge is a journey that requires balance, patience, courage, and a resilient mindset.

In this article, with my experience, my mistakes, and my successes, I will provide you with a ‘Junior’s Survival Kit’ loaded with tips and tricks to move forward with confidence and overcome the challenges you will face on your journey into the unknown.

Onboarding

You have already passed the interview stage, and you are in. It’s common to enter a new company with high expectations and hopes of making an immediate impact. However, the reality is that, in many cases, entering a new company can be challenging. The adaptation process, known as ‘onboarding,’ is not always ideal; it is often limited or even nonexistent, and you may find yourself struggling with the lack of clear documentation or resources. Don’t get frustrated if you don’t receive the perfect introduction; instead, maintain a patient attitude and be willing to learn as you go along.

One key element in adapting as quickly as possible is to find a ‘buddy’ or a colleague who can guide you within the company. This person can help clarify your doubts, provide practical advice, and offer the support you need to gain confidence in your new environment. Don’t be shy; making that initial contact will be crucial in your early days at the company.

After the onboarding process, your expectations may or may not have been met. However, in the first few months, drawing a definitive conclusion is premature. You should consider this change as a long-term investment. You will not only adapt to a new project but also to the people and policies of the company, which you will gradually discover as you encounter various situations. It is essential to give yourself and others time.

Company

Take your time to thoroughly analyze the company’s situation; this is crucial when entering a new work environment. This will give you the ability to thoroughly investigate the organization and the individuals involved, empowering you to make informed decisions and establish meaningful connections from the beginning of your career.

Be participative and show interest in all proposals and projects that arise. To build connections, an effective practice is to add your coworkers on LinkedIn, allowing you to learn about their roles and lay the groundwork for future interactions. It is crucial to display a high level of participation, whether you work remotely or in the office. In meetings, be sure to activate your camera in video conferences. This small gesture not only demonstrates your commitment but also helps you stand out and create a stronger presence within the organization.

Look into the training and education options offered by the company to acquire new skills that will benefit you in the future. Online courses, books, workshops, conferences, and certifications can be your allies.

Project

In addition to getting to know the company, it is also essential to thoroughly research the context of the new field you are entering. Understand the trends, opportunities, and challenges. Remember that knowledge is power.

You may have joined a project that has likely passed through various hands and may initially seem overwhelming, especially as a junior with limited knowledge. Focus on understanding the tools, break the project into smaller parts, and creating diagrams or flowcharts may help you better understand its architecture.

After onboarding, contributing to the core of the project is essential. It is normal not to understand anything at the beginning or to know where everything is. As you become involved in smaller parts of the project, you will start to navigate it more effectively.

You must maintain a learning mindset and not be afraid to make mistakes because they are opportunities to learn and grow. The more you make mistakes, the more you will learn. Risk is part of the process, and it will show others your commitment to the project’s development.

Manager

Cultivate a strong relationship with your manager. There is no one better than your supervisor to guide you in your career. Don’t hesitate to discuss any concerns or discomfort you have, whether technical or personal, as it is better to resolve them immediately to keep your motivation at its peak. This will also help your manager understand your current state and treat you more effectively. Managers often have busy schedules, so if they don’t propose it, suggest regular communication, even if it’s a quick call. Continuous communication and feedback are essential at this stage.

It is beneficial to work with your manager to create a roadmap outlining the steps to follow, the goals to achieve, and the expectations they have of you. This way, you can achieve the mastery necessary, as the steps will be broken down and more manageable than just aiming for a distant goal.

The Team

When entering a company, we often focus only on the technical aspects, but not everything is technical, and human connections are much more important, especially in the beginning, as these are the people who will teach you how the business works.

Getting along with your colleagues is not something that happens immediately. Don’t get frustrated if you feel like you don’t fit in at first. Just as it happens in life, relationships and trust are built over time, so don’t expect to fit in perfectly from the start. Be patient with yourself and your colleagues; seize every opportunity to get to know and understand them better. It is important to have an empathetic, receptive, and proactive attitude.

Don’t compare yourself to your teammates. Each person is at a different stage in their career. Instead of comparing, admire their achievements and use their knowledge as inspiration to achieve the mastery they possess. They are your role models, not your competition; rely on them whenever needed.

Impostor Syndrome

Impostor syndrome is a common feeling that affects people in the early stages of a career change as well as those with more experience. It is characterized by self-doubt and the constant fear of being exposed as less competent than others believe. This insecurity is not directly related to work experience but rather to personal perception and self-esteem.

From my experience, I can say that uncertainty is the best ally of this syndrome. To counter it, it is essential to set realistic goals and recognize your achievements, however small they may seem. Seeking and receiving feedback is crucial. Having feedback from both your manager and your colleagues will provide a clear understanding of your performance, dispelling doubts and eliminating much of the uncertainty. Don’t hesitate to create a list of your achievements and successes to boost your confidence when needed.

You don’t have to know everything

After onboarding, achieving continuous development is crucial. At this point, you will begin to understand how things work, but you may not have mastered them yet.

It is normal to be afraid that your colleagues might think you don’t know something, but it is better to have the fear that they might confirm it in the future. So, don’t hold back your questions; it’s one of the best soft skills you can have.

If you feel like you’re asking too many questions, it’s best to give feedback to the person helping you and make them understand that the time they are dedicating is essential to you, rather than just saying a simple thank you.

Remember that in this field, you will never stop learning, and the more you know, the more you will realize new gaps in your knowledge. Keep in mind that in this sector, regardless of experience, you need to keep learning all the time.

Do not be afraid to ask: Your voice matters

Do not expect immediate results. Patience and persistence are essential on this transformational journey. Don’t be ashamed to voice your opinion. Many people tend to show off to demonstrate how much they know, but this is a mistake and comes off as arrogance. Instead, contribute to learning and also measure how well you are assimilating the concepts. You also have things to offer.

A trick to avoid this is to phrase everything as questions instead of using statements for all your ideas. This adds humility and exposure but also proactiveness in sharing, something that will likely be viewed positively.

Build a network of contacts

Relationships are key in any industry, but even more so in industries where many people work remotely or where things evolve rapidly. Connect with professionals in the new sector, attend networking events, and use online platforms and communities to expand your network. This will help you see that you are not alone, that many people are going through the same process as you, and to stay updated on the sector’s evolution. Remember that information is power. Be generous, and do not be afraid to ask for help. This will help you grow both as a professional and as a person.

Keep your LinkedIn profile up-to-date. Often, when we find a job, we tend to forget about our LinkedIn profile because we no longer need it for job hunting. However, this is not the case; you now need it to stay on the radar so your colleagues outside your team can locate you and stay updated on what is happening outside. Give it some attention, make detailed improvements, and update it with information about your new roles, which will also help your career.

Is there no one to mentor you? False! You have a mentor named ChatGPT

Often, junior professionals face a lack of a mentor in their careers, which can leave them feeling lost or disoriented in their development. However, you are not alone in this journey. Even if you don’t have a human mentor, you have access to valuable resources like artificial intelligence. ChatGPT is here to provide guidance, tips, examples, and answers to your questions, helping you navigate the challenges of your new career and move forward with confidence. This virtual guide may not always provide the best solutions, but it can be a significant source of support. Don’t be afraid to ask anything.

Nevertheless, if you feel the need for a human mentor and don’t have access to one within your company, don’t hesitate to seek one outside. There are many people out there willing to help in the community we mentioned earlier. You are not alone on this journey, and there are resources available to you, both in the virtual and real world, that can significantly contribute to your professional growth.

In summary, the junior’s journey is an exciting challenge filled with learning opportunities. Throughout this article, I have shared tips and strategies based on my own experience to help you overcome obstacles and move forward with confidence. Whether you have a human mentor or not, remember that you have valuable resources available to provide guidance and answers to your questions. In this thrilling journey into the unknown, adaptability, patience, and a continuous learning mindset are your best allies. So go ahead, take that first step, and trust in yourself. Don’t hesitate to explore, learn from your mistakes, and build meaningful connections with those around you. You have the power to overcome any challenge and achieve your goals. Your success in this new career is within your reach, so keep moving forward and never stop learning.