Hi,
I hope you’re all having a lovely weekend!
I am leaving academia and starting a new job next month. Whilst I know this is the right decision for me, I feel very nervous about starting/wanting to make a good impression.
Hope this is okay to ask – what has helped you when starting a new role (at SL or other positions)? Is there any advice you would give to someone starting in a new industry?
Any help would be greatly appreciated – thank you so much!
Congratulations on the new job!
I think the most important thing is to remember: they hired you for a reason. They want you in the team and they look forward to hearing your view of things, it’s a fresh view on things that is usually much appreciated. I think we often get quite nervous to say the wrong thing or not fit in but we just have to remember that we were selected for a reason 
If you come in with a confident and positive attitude, everything will fall into place.
Also it’s absolutely normal for you to take a while to settle in and make friends. I would always put a lot of pressure on myself thinking ‘how have I not settled in yet’ but when talking to others it turned out that everyone took a while!
Good luck for the new job, I’m sure you’re going to do great!
Congratulations on the new job!
I would say, especially in a new industry that it’s super important to ask questions and flag if you need help with anything. It’s always daunting starting somewhere and having to learn a new role, however, remember everyone in the company would have been in the same position at one point x
I hate making mistakes when I’m in a new job - but I’ve learnt over the years that they’re an inevitable part of being human and you can only do your best. If you own up to them and try to find a way forward (I really encourage talking to your manager if you constantly find yourself slipping up) it usually works out long-term. Also, trust your gut. As someone who found themselves very unhappy very quickly in a previous job, I think you know when somewhere just isn’t the right fit. And there’s no shame in admitting that and finding a constructive way to move on. Just don’t burn bridges along the way if possible.
Thank you so much for your really helpful advice and kind words - I really appreciate it!