You’ve landed that first full-time job after graduation, and now it’s time to start your first day on the job. This is a very exciting time, but you also may be nervous about what your post-college life will be like.

• What should I wear to work?
• Where do I park my car?
• What will I actually do my first day?
• What does my office look like?
• Do I need to bring anything with me the first day?
• What will my co-workers be like?

These may be some of the questions that you have as your first day of work at your new job approaches. You may go in on your first day and have a set training schedule planned out for you, or you may be shown where your desk is and be left with little instructions on what do. The following checklist provides a guide to help you navigate that first week at a new job:

• Prep work. Contact your supervisor in advance to ask any questions you may have about the company dress code, where to park your car, and if there are any documents you need to bring (such as Driver’s License, social security card) to get you on the payroll. Read and review ALL paperwork. You will be giving a lot of paperwork to sign, verify, understand and process. It may take more time to read through everything, but will save you hassle in the end.
• Get to know your co-workers and supervisors. Invite them to lunch, or ask to schedule a time to meet with the people you work with to get to know them and what work they do for the company.
• Don’t be afraid to ask questions. As the new employee, you are not expected to know everything right away. Ask questions to learn more about your job responsibilities and how the organization operates.
• Organize your desk/office. In many positions, you will be given an office and/or a desk to use for your work. Figure out how you want to arrange files and supplies, and figure out if there is anything you need that you don’t have.
• Personalize your space. Bring in pictures, wall hangings, plants, or other decorative items to make your space a place you are comfortable in.
• Familiarize yourself with tools and resources. No matter what type of organization you are working for, get to know the resources that you will need to do your job. This may include people from other departments, print resources, or online resources. If you have a computer, learn how to use the e-mail and calendar systems, as well as where to save important information.