A quick Google search tells me it takes between three and six months to adjust to a new job and feel comfortable in your role. But after just two months, I feel like I’ve already taken off.
From playing my part in some exciting new projects, to diving deep into the world of internal communications, here are some highlights from my second month at scarlettabbott.
Back to work
January started with a bang, a whistle and a train strike. I logged back online from my home office and, trying to remember everything I learned the year before, I began month two as a Project Delivery Manager.
Into my already full, post-Christmas, inbox falls the first big announcement of the year. I’m no longer the newest member of the scarlettabbott team, or the only Sophie. Client Relationship Manager Sophie, and Sales and Marketing Assistant Paige, have joined the team. New people, new ideas and the opportunity to pass on the newbie spotlight.
I have barely enough time to welcome anyone before another announcement hits – and it’s a big one. World Changers 2023 is here. World Changers is scarlettabbott’s Mona Lisa, our masterpiece. The annual report is filled with expert insights, research and predictions for the workplace of 2023. It’s a must-read.
Learning from the experts
As part of the warm newbie welcome, our specialist consultants host workshops with any new starters, sharing their expertise and smart thinking and answering any questions. With a notebook and highlighters in hand, I’m ready to learn all I can from behavioural scientist Lindsay, DEI expert Russ and culture and insights guru Lisa.
We clamber up to the conference room to find Russ without any slides; just him and his brain. “What do you think diversity and inclusion at work means?” he asks the room. Together we conclude; making sure people feel comfortable being themselves at work, regardless of their culture, background or identity. It gets a nod from everyone. Russ then explains the creative ways we help businesses achieve their DEI goals.
Next, Lisa gives us an overview of our culture and insights work. It’s great to see how we can understand our clients and their problems by asking the right questions. Lastly, Lindsay tunes in from London to talk us through the world of behavioural science. I discover the psychology, science and data behind the way people think, feel and act in the workplace – and how we put that information to work in our clients’ worlds.
It’s not long before another session drops in my calendar, this time from our hero and marketing manager Kate. In an hour-long workshop, Kate presents her LinkedIn best practices: the dos and don’ts of socials media. If you ever want to feel confident posting and sharing on your LinkedIn profile, Kate has the answers.
Projects, projects, projects
A new year means new projects, and there’s plenty on the horizon for me to sink my teeth into.
From creative treatment for a client’s upcoming cyber awareness event to some onboarding, no two projects or days are the same. And the best part, colleagues are coming to me with briefs that I’m leading independently.
Of course, there are times when I feel out of my depth – but I have the team to lean on. I decide to organise a brainstorm with a handful of our creatives and expert minds to get their thoughts, opinions and ideas on how we can deliver even better solutions for our clients. Teamwork makes the dreamwork.
The most important project of the month? Where to go for my birthday meal. Luckily the team was quick to share their favourite restaurants in York. I couldn’t have asked for a better birthday steak at Rustique – thanks for the suggestion, Alex!
Thinking ahead
The new year also brings new opportunities and I’m lucky enough to share my goals for the next few months with my manager. My focus for this year is to build on my confidence in calls and gain as much exposure to the industry as possible. I love the open discussion we have at scarlettabbott – nothing is off the table when it comes to your development.
Another exciting month has passed and I’m a little bit wiser than I was last year. Watch out for month three where I tackle driving lessons and the big project manager away day in London.
Interested in a career at scarlettabbott? Check out our current open roles.
