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How to get started with the important work relationships

A father of three, a 60-year-old wine connoisseur and your slightly awkward boss. You are unlikely to join a team of only young graduates at your workplace, all the more important it is to foster those work relationships. Get the best tips on how to get started right here.

First job

Is it that important, you might be thinking? I have my friends, and at work I just have to be good at, well… my job. But it IS important to have good relationships in your workplace. Especially in your first job.

“Many people think they only have to stand on one foot – professionalism – when they start a job. But you don’t succeed in your job without a social effort. It must be taken just as seriously as professional development,” says IDA’s career counsellor Sanne Mattebjerg.

She finds that many new graduates are surprised that not only do they feel disconnected around the lunch table, but also that collaboration isn’t perfect from the outset when they join a team.

Why are relationships important?

Let it be clear right away. A good relationship isn’t necessarily about being friends. We also use our social relationships when we work in teams and in projects with other disciplines.

It is important to have good social relations so you can express your opinion confidently without stepping on anyone’s toes. Or exchange knowledge with a colleague who has a different expertise. But it’s also about opening doors for the future in your career!

“If you draw attention to yourself and are good at talking to others, a project manager in another team might think, “Hey, you’re the one playing around with artificial intelligence, don’t you want to be involved in this project?” You simply exclude yourself from some opportunities if you don’t engage in social relationships with your colleagues,” says Sanne Mattebjerg.

How to get started

Fortunately, good relationships aren’t black magic. With some simple tricks, you can get off to a great start in your first workplace.

Start on the first day. When you’re shown around the office, prepare how you talk about yourself. Be specific about what you’ll be doing, maybe even by referring to one of your colleagues, so you can relate to them a little. Also, talk about something you are passionate about in your work, or something that is on the periphery of what you do. And then talk about what you’re interested in personally. Like Sanne Mattebjerg, who is a huge Atlético Madrid fan (a Spanish football club!). This way, she ensures that all the football fans will come around, but also opens the door for less football-savvy people to show interest.

“Then I already have the start of a network beyond my own department. It could also be that you brew beer in the basement, love French b-movies or something else. It gives others the opportunity to reach out to you, because that’s what most people want to do with new employees.”