Starting a new job is a big deal. Starting your first job after leaving the military? That’s a whole new battlefield (minus the rations and camo). New people, new culture, new ways of working—it can all feel a bit overwhelming. But don’t worry—we’ve got you! We’ve rounded up our top tips to help you hit the ground running and absolutely nail those first 100 days in your new civilian role.

✅ TIP 1: Get Set for Your First Week

The more prepared you are, the easier it is going to be.

🎯 Do your homework
 Before Day One, revisit everything you learned during the hiring process. Dive into the company’s culture, values, and goals. Knowing what makes your new organisation tick will help you feel one step ahead.

📝 Take notes like a boss
 You’ll get hit with a ton of new info, names, tools, acronyms, processes. Don’t rely on your memory. Write it all down. Your notebook will be your secret weapon.

👋 Be bold, say hello
 Hopefully, there’s an onboarding plan with intros lined up. But if not, don’t be shy, ask your manager to connect you or just invite someone for a quick coffee. People are usually happy to help… especially if there’s caffeine involved.

❓Ask questions
 No such thing as a stupid question when everything is new. Need clarity? Speak up. It’s far better to ask early than to stay stuck in the dark.

🚀 TIP 2: Be Proactive 

No need to flip the table or start pitching bold new strategies on Day 2. But as you settle in, start looking for ways to get involved.

📰 Stay in the know
 Read internal updates, follow company news, scroll through their socials, and consider setting up Google alerts for big company mentions.

📱 Refresh your LinkedIn
 New job = new headline. Share your new role and let your network cheer you on. You might be surprised by who offers support or advice.

💡 Share smart ideas
 By Month 3, you’ll have your feet under the desk and know how things work. That’s a great time to (gently) share any improvements or fresh ideas you’ve spotted.

📈 TIP 3: Own Your Growth

Yes, your manager will help with goals and check-ins—but your career? That’s your mission.

🧠 Keep learning
 Follow industry blogs, sign up for newsletters, or subscribe to relevant YouTube channels or podcasts.

🎓 Ask for training
 Need to level up a skill? Flag it early. Most managers love when someone takes the initiative.

🤝 Join professional groups
 Whether it’s an internal military network or an industry association, surround yourself with people who can support your growth.

🗓 Book a 3-month check-in
 If your new workplace doesn’t already offer this, ask for it! It’s a great chance to reflect, get feedback, and plan your next steps.

🤝 TIP 4: Build Your Internal Squad

You know the power of a solid team, so start building yours from Day One.

📇 Make your go-to list
 In your first week, map out who’s who. Who handles what? Who can help when you’re stuck? Knowing who to turn to is key.

💬 Invest in relationships
 Don’t stop networking just because you’ve landed the job. Continue getting to know teammates, stakeholders, and other departments. Every connection counts.

🌟 And Finally… Cut Yourself Some Slack

You’ve already done something amazing—transitioned from the military to a new career. That’s huge.

The first few months can feel like a rollercoaster. You’ll want to make an impact, you’ll have off days, and you might question yourself. That’s normal. Stay patient, stay curious, and stay kind to yourself. You’ve got this.