New job, new company

Jae-So · 19 Dec 2016 at 12:42

Hi gents,

So I have successfully been offered a new job and looking to prepare for it, so thought I would ask some general advice on here how to go forward.

First some background, I studied Computer Science and went into a commercial graduate scheme (didn't fancy being a programmer) at a multinational engineering company. (Then did my business masters over 3 years while here but self funded it).
I have done fairly well here holding jobs as a business analyst, Product Manager - Software (product division) and Product Manager (sales division). I have spent 4 years at this company and I am now moving on.

For career advancement, I have now accepted a Senior Product Manager role at a company that provides business information as a service. They deploy software solutions on cloud / web platforms and integrate information with CRM etc. This is more aligned with my first degree and interests than engineering was.
Although my role will be more commercial than technical and I have a general understanding of these technologies, I have been in engineering for a while now and away from the more cutting edge software platforms.

How would you suggest I best prepare to start in the middle of next month. So far I have asked to do the following:
- Go in for half a day to learn so I can upskill in the holidays
- Discuss technologies and responsibilities with line manager in depth before starting.
- Read up about the industry and applicable technologies.

Any suggestions/ information would be greatly appreciated as I think this is a good opportunity for my career.

D3K · 19 Dec 2016 at 12:57

Your enthusiasm to hit the ground running is commendable. I was like that in a few jobs. Ultimately they didn't hire you expecting you to do so, and bugging them for a half day taster may get in their way. You may also rub some people up the wrong way by being seen to be so proactive. It's sad that this can be the case, but it is.

If you're really keen, just swot up on the job description and know it inside out, while studying any of the technical aspects you think you might need.
Also brush up on your soft skills. At the risk of generalising, CS and Eng don't breed the most outgoing characters. From the sounds of your eagerness, I would guess you fall into the category of preferring to work with things rather than people. As you move farther away from the things, you need better abilities at working with people.

mid_gen · 19 Dec 2016 at 13:07

I wouldn't bother them before you start to be honest. They know your background and they have chosen to hire you, they know where you are strong and where you are weak (assuming you didn't lie

) so they know what you will need to work on.

They'll most likely have a program lined up to get you up to speed. Your manager will be busy enough in the run up to holidays without worry about 'pre-managing' someone that hasn't even started yet.

Just brush up yourself on the industry sector you're going to be involved in, trawl the relevant news sites, know the competition. Find out what (yawn) Gartner and co have to say etc.

Jae-So · 19 Dec 2016 at 13:45

Thanks guys, I did already ask this of HR earlier today but I did also explain that I appreciate if this isn't the best option and would push the issue. I hope I haven't ****ed anyone off lol.

dowie · 19 Dec 2016 at 14:06

I'd have thought they'd give you some idea during the interview process or that you'd ask tech related questions there and get an idea of what they're using/what you'd be working with? I don't see any harm in dropping a quick mail to ask them a brief question.

Alternatively check out linked in - look up your future colleagues and what they write about their current roles, they'll perhaps list some of the stuff they're currently working with. Or you could always message/introduce yourself to them.

Jae-So · 19 Dec 2016 at 14:17

Yeh I did ask at the interview and they said briefly about AWS and node but that's about it. I can read up a little bit I guess. I imagine I am looking to deeply at this bit this is the first role where I'm jumping from a graduate entry (4 years ago) to an experienced hire at a fairly senior level, just want to be prepared.

Jae-So · 19 Dec 2016 at 15:12

D3K said:
At the risk of generalising, CS and Eng don't breed the most outgoing characters. From the sounds of your eagerness, I would guess you fall into the category of preferring to work with things rather than people. As you move farther away from the things, you need better abilities at working with people.

I feel like I am the opposite tbh. I work hard to have a commercial view of the business and build relationships. In any role I am more commercially aware than technologically so I just want to make sure I am somewhat technically sound going into this role. As I say in my current role I don't always know the answer but I know I can find someone that does.

HangTime · 23 Dec 2016 at 09:34

I wouldn't worry about it too much. In many cases organisations are very busy and will prep for the day the new employee officially lands, not weeks beforehand. While the keenness is commendable, it might also be a nuisance to me if I had to field requests before I'd got things ready for the induction.

Some basic research into the industry/tech as you've suggested should be more than adequate.

Jae-So · 24 Dec 2016 at 16:46

Had a good chat with my boss and he gave me some light information to prep but was keen for me to get a good break as well. We agreed that I could start a week early however as that works for everyone. This just allows me to get involved more quickly and get the typical IT stuff and admin out of the way in the first week.