It’s always exciting to make a career move that lands you in a new office with new people, new responsibilities, and new challenges. Getting along with your colleagues, learning how to meet the expectations that go with your position, and un­derstanding your corporate culture can all boost your success. Sound daunting? Relax. Here are 10 tips that will help you fit in quickly and effectively, and have fun in the process.

1. Learn About the Organization and Its Culture Read up on the company. Use magazines, annual reports, and organizational charts and ask yourself: Is the orga­nization entrepreneurial, hierarchical, young, formal, or what? Make sure to observe your colleagues to see what the company does and how they do it. Make sure to look at the work environment’s pace (relaxed and slow, or tight deadlines and stressful?), rules and policies (e.g., the poli­cy about personal calls and errands), and dress code (dress similarly to your colleagues, and if unsure, ask. .

2. Ask Questions. Ask a LOT of Them! As the new kid on the block, you are not expected to come in knowing all of the intricate details of the inner work­ings of the company. You were hired because they knew you could do the job, but they do not expect you to know exactly how to do it on the first day in this new environ­ment. The more questions you ask, the easier your transi­tion will be.

3. Be an Active Listener and Observer In addition to asking questions, make sure you listen to the answers. Be a sponge and soak up as much as you can. It is always good to carry a notebook with you to write down anything you may forget. Your colleagues can provide a wealth of information for you regarding all of the intricacies of the day-to-day culture. Additionally, watch how your colleagues interact with your supervisor or boss. Is there an open door policy, or is this a very for­mal place, where appointments need to be made? When in doubt, ask, or choose the more formal route until you know otherwise. 

4. Demonstrate Confidence AND Humility You were hired because the company knew you could do the job, but try not to think that you can do everything (see ”Ask Questions,” above). Be the new hire and learn from those who have been doing this job for years.

5. Become Proficient at Your Job and Seek Feedback Especially in the first months, consistently ask your manager and your peers for feedback about how you can improve. It may take more reviewing time, as well as a few extra hours just to figure out “simple” tasks, but if you start at the bottom and work your way up, everyone will appreciate it.

6. Manage Your Expectations—Find a Mentor To Help Come into the company expecting to maintain the status quo for a while. If you try to shake things up or voice your views and opinions too soon, others may feel that you are trying to change the company, rather than trying to become a part of it. Reaching out to and connecting with someone who has been at the company for many years can help you, especially during those tough days and times.

7. Socialize and Build Effective Relationships In and Out of Your Department (Be Nice to Ev­eryone!) Get to know your colleagues, and learn the go-to people who will help you get things done. Understand that every­one is a helpful contact and part of your team—Always be friendly — and treat others as you hope to be treated yourself. You never know where you will find a friend

8. Think Preemptively, and Volunteer for Proj­ects That Help You Gain Experience Once you have finished with your projects, ask if there is anything else that you can help with. As soon as you have mastered your job, start volunteering in different areas that will help you gain both practical and interpersonal experience.

9. Seek Professional and Personal Development Opportunities Take responsibility for yourself and your career. These opportunities come in all shapes and sizes, and will be beneficial for future advancement.

10. Be Positive and Have Fun! Positivity creates good impressions. If the environment isn’t fun, make it fun for yourself! A simple smile and lack of complaining (even of the weather!) goes a long way.

11. BONUS! Go to Lunch or Get Coffee with Someone Different Each Week This piggybacks on #7 (above), but it is incredibly im­portant. Start with someone nearby, in your group or the immediate office area. Get to know who the person is, what he or she does, and something about the individu­al’s background. At the end of the get-together, ask them who they think you should meet with next, either in or out of your department. Then e-mail or call that person. The worst that can happen is that someone may say no. This process will become extremely valuable for col­laborations, advancement, or promotions into different department.