Feeling anxious about starting work experience? That’s okay! Starting something new is always daunting. What’s more, you’re entering the workforce for the first time – that’s a pretty big deal.
That said, the first thing to remember to calm your nerves is that this is a trial run, and everyone knows that. Your temporary employers and colleagues don’t expect you to know everything. So, relax, take a breather, and don’t be afraid to ask questions or for a helping hand!
As well …
Know You’re Not Alone
Around 75% of students participate in transition year every year; that’s around 30,000 people who – just like you – will all have to face their first day of work experience. Rest assured, they’re all just as nervous as you are.
However, since nerves are never nice, we’ve got some tips to help you overcome Transition Year Work Experience worries.
Tips for Beating Transition Year Work Experience Nerves
Be Prepared
Preparation is key to feeling in control and limiting those pesky “what if” thoughts. Since you likely already have enough on your mind, we’ve compiled a “First Day of TY Work Experience” list for you to run through.
First-Day Checklist:
- Learn as much as you can about where you’ll be working.
- Research the commute.
- Prepare your outfit a week or two before starting.
- Pack your bag the night before.
- Set an alarm.
- Go to bed early & get up early.
- Calm your nerves with a relaxing activity.
Not sure what consists of a relaxing activity for calming nerves? Here’s some inspiration:
- Write Down your Worries: getting our thoughts out of our heads and onto paper can help us to make sense of them. As well, after completing your first day of TY work experience, looking back on what you’ve written can be a comforting activity.
- Go for a Walk, Cycle, or Swim: exercise can release mood-boosting endorphins, help ease stress, promote quality sleep, and relax tense muscles.
- Light Stretching: Releases tension in the muscles, signalling to the brain that you’re feeling a little more zen.
- Reading: Reading fully engages the mind and imagination, helping you to take your mind off the next day.
- Meditate: meditating can help you to cut through your jumbled thoughts and combat overthinking by focusing your attention on the present moment.
- Watch your favorite tv series.
Another way to prepare yourself is to ensure you have the necessary skills before your first day. Transition Year Work Experience courses can help you to feel cool, calm, and confident walking into your first day, at ease in the knowledge that you know exactly what to do.
Something to Remember:
If ever you feel unsafe, threatened or as though your boundaries have been crossed in the workplace: leave. No TY coordinator (or anyone for that matter) will hold it against you – your safety and well-being always come first.
What if I Can’t Sleep?
This is one of the most commonly experienced worries the night before starting a new job. You want to feel refreshed and like the best version of yourself – ready to take on whatever your first day might throw your way.
To ensure you drift off to sleep within a matter of minutes, you can follow a simple ritual known as the (tried and tested) 10-3-2-1 formula.
The ’10-3-2-1- Formula:
- 10 hours before bed: No more caffeine.
- 3 hours before bed: No more food or drinks.
- 2 hours before bed: No more study or school work.
- 1 hour before bed: No more screen time (shut off all phones, TVs, and computers).
Or, if you find that you’re not drifting off despite all hours, the 4-7-8 breathing technique can help you control your breathing and let your body know it’s time for sleep.
The 4-7-8 Method:
- Inhale through your nose and count to four in your mind.
- Next, hold your breath for a count of seven.
- Exhale through your mouth slowly for eight seconds.
- Repeat until you begin to feel your heart rate slow and slip into a state of relaxation.
And that’s that!
New job jitters are standard for people of all ages throughout all stages of their careers. Consider yourself lucky that you’re getting to experience these nerves now and learning how to get to grips with them before entering the workforce for good – that’s one of the main benefits of braving TY work experience. So, congratulations on your good choices and good luck – you’ll do great!
