How to Create Impact at Any Company You Join


Embarking on a journey with a new company offers a myriad of opportunities for growth and contribution. To ensure a meaningful impact, consider the following steps and strategies:

  1. Gain a Holistic Understanding of the Business
  • Familiarize yourself with the company’s wide array of products and their interconnectedness.
  • Understand the customer base and how the company adds value to their business.
  • Explore major clients and competitors, and grasp the company’s market positioning and future trajectory.
  • Dive into quarterly priorities to align yourself with the company’s strategic direction.
  1. Navigate the Internal Landscape
  • Acquaint yourself with internal teams, organizational structure, and key company events.
  • Attend company meetings, actively take notes, and engage with colleagues to build connections.
  • Identify team leaders and crucial points of contact within the organization.
  1. Proactively Manage Your Relationship with Your Manager
  • Initiate regular meetings to discuss expectations, monitor progress, and seek constructive feedback.
  • Be proactive in reaching out to your manager, ensuring a clear line of communication.
  • Explore progression frameworks, such as those available on https://progression.fyi/ or internal company resources, to guide your professional growth.
  1. Master the Technical Landscape
  • Familiarize yourself with the codebase, deployment methods, and essential tooling.
  • Understand the roles of key stakeholders, internal processes, and external dependencies.
  • Install necessary software promptly and address onboarding requirements efficiently.
  1. Balance Learning and Visibility in the First 3 Months
  • Allocate time to learn about the company’s intricacies while consistently delivering high-quality work.
  • Identify domain experts and seek their guidance to accelerate your learning curve.
  • Make yourself visible to different teams and actively contribute to projects.
  1. Invest in Personal Growth
  • Demonstrate initiative by attending meetings on time and actively participating.
  • Ask questions, write documentation, and continually strive to enhance your skills.
  • Measure code metrics and identify opportunities for improvement.
  1. Engage in Collaborative Efforts
  • Review pull requests and dedicate time to assisting colleagues with their work.
  • Volunteer for additional responsibilities and actively contribute to the collective success of the team.
  • Participate in non-work-related activities, both in-person and online, to build connections with colleagues.
  1. Prioritize Well-Being
  • Remember to take regular breaks and utilize leave to prevent burnout.
  • Strive for a healthy work-life balance to sustain long-term productivity and well-being.

By implementing these strategies, you can navigate your initial months effectively, contributing meaningfully to your team and fostering a successful and fulfilling career with the company.