by Morgan Bosse

Starting a new role can feel a lot like the first day of school: exciting, nerve-racking, and full of unknowns. But those first 90 days aren’t just a transition period. They’re your opportunity to build trust, gain momentum, and set the foundation for long-term success.

Here’s how to make the most of them.

Learning the Culture

Company culture isn’t just a buzzword, it’s the personality of the workplace. It’s how people communicate, collaborate, and make decisions. Whether you’re stepping into a new industry or joining your third company in five years, understanding the culture is essential to building trust and navigating your new environment successfully.

• Pay attention to unspoken norms. Culture is often revealed in the little things: how people handle meetings, whether emails are formal or casual, or if quick updates are shared via Slack, Teams, etc. Watch and adapt accordingly.
• Observe leadership. How do managers and executives interact with teams? Do they encourage open dialogue, or is communication more top-down? Leaders often model what’s expected.
• Understand the team’s rhythm. Does the team kick off early or lean into flexible schedules? Are meetings fast paced or more conversational? Do coworkers eat lunch together, celebrate milestones, or keep social interaction minimal? These details give you clues about how to fit in authentically.

Pro Tip: Ask a peer, “What’s something you wish you knew when you started here?” It’s a great way to uncover the unspoken truths that aren’t in the handbook but matter day-to-day.

Setting Clear Expectations with Your Manager

Success in a new role doesn’t come from guessing, it comes from clarity. One of the most valuable things you can do early on is establish an alignment with your manager. By getting clear on what’s expected and how success is measured, you set yourself up to deliver real impact from day one.

• Define your 30-60-90 day goals. Ask your manager what your immediate priorities should be. Are there key projects to support, metrics to hit, relationships to build? This gives you a roadmap and helps you focus your time and energy.
• Clarify how performance is evaluated. Understanding what “great” looks like helps move you in the right direction. Is it meeting deadlines, improving processes, or having specific results? Knowing how your work is judged helps remove any guesswork.
• Understand their communication style. Some managers love weekly updates. Others prefer a quick ping if things go off track. Ask how and when they want to hear from you to keep both sides in sync while also building trust.

Pro Tip: Consider creating a simple 30-60-90 day plan and sharing it with your manager. Include what you plan to learn, where you aim to contribute, and how you’ll measure progress. It’s a great way to show initiative and encourage feedback. Check out our guide on Mastering the Art of Feedback to learn how to give and receive input that helps you grow.

Document What You Learn

Your first few weeks will be filled with new information: systems, names, acronyms, processes, and trying to retain it all can be overwhelming. The solution? Write everything down! Think of this as building your own onboarding guide. Not only will it help you ramp up faster, but it also positions you as someone who’s organized, proactive, and could be used to support future new hires.

• Create a running list of tools, terms, and internal lingo. Every company has its own shorthand and preferred platforms. Track what each tool is used for and what key acronyms mean so you don’t have to ask twice.
• Build a cheat sheet for repeat tasks. Jot down the step-by-step for common processes like submitting requests, accessing dashboards, or updating reports. It’ll save you time and boost your confidence.
• Map out key contacts. Who do you go to for troubleshooting, approvals, or insight? Create a quick reference list so you’re not stuck searching or going through email threads.

Your first 90 days aren’t about being perfect, they’re about making progress. It’s your opportunity to show that you’re adaptable, and ready to contribute in meaningful ways. By staying curious, and open to feedback, you’ll set the tone for long-term success and make a strong impression that lasts well beyond day 90.

At Joulé, we believe our world is filled with possibilities – where character, integrity, and commitment drive our purpose. Operating at the forefront of the life sciences arena, Joulé’s relentless approach enables our clients to execute critical initiatives and significant projects rapidly and effectively. Joulé is a System One division.