I haven’t seen my team yet!

Finding a job is always a challenge. But getting an entry level job when the job market is unstable because of a global pandemic is quite impossible. Yes! That is how people were saying. In the past two years I was working part time on web development projects while doing my studies. As I am almost done with my final year at university, I decided to get into the industry as a beginner level business analyst. Commencing the career journey at a time the entire world taken down by the global pandemic is quite challenging. But global pandemic couldn’t stop me from believing in myself. I was always confident enough about the practical experience I got during the last two years and the knowledge I gained from my university. So stepping to a new phase of my life, I applied for few opportunities that were available at that time. First responses I got were not good as they all have mentioned they will arrange interviews once lockdown is over even though no one knows when it is. But finally one special company called ‘Loons Lab’ responded to my application and informed that they would love to have an online discussion with me.

Online Interview?

Facing an interview is always a challenge, but an online interview is a lot different than meeting in person. Even though it is an entirely different kind of challenge, how could I miss this rare opportunity I got in this hectic time. I was telling myself “God gave you the chance, it’s up to you to hunt it, go and get ready to nail it!”. I got prepared for the interview by focusing on some online interview tips. First I determined the best hardware to use for this. I chose Laptop as it is the most comfortable one for me. Then I tested all the technologies like internet connection, camera and the mic I suppose to use during the interview. Do you know? It doesn’t even matter if your interview is face to face or remotely, still you can make a good impression until you believe in yourself and confident enough in your skills. Remember CONFIDENCE is the key! My interview happened via zoom. So, prior to the interview, I checked all the equipment and I dressed up for the camera. Remember nothing too flashy or suggestive with clothing. The interview went really well and I had a great conversation with the company. Finally I was blessed to hear those words “You are hired! When can you join the team? “ Why should I waste another day? I replied “from tomorrow” 😉 So yes! I am the newest addition to the Loons Lab team.

Prepare to Work from Home (WfH)

Since WfH is the new normal, the company informed me that I would have to onboard remotely from my first day onwards. As I have read earlier Loons Lab was one of the companies that has been very well equipped to continue most of the work remotely. But I had no idea what it would be like work from home. First thing I did was arrange a workplace. I converted my study area to a workplace as I will have to be seated on my chair for 8hrs straight 5 working days. Having a comfortable place and calm environment is a must. And I knew that my family would help me to have a peaceful environment 🙂 Well, finally all set for my day one at Loons Lab!

Starting a new job remotely!

Starting a new job is a challenging thing at the best of times, but starting a new job remotely during a lockdown is…well it’s been a learning curve. Starting a new job usually incorporated with a formal orientation. So on my first day I wondered what it would be like to start work without a friendly open office environment and face to face interaction. Also I was not sure what I should do first, where should I start from, with whom I would have to talk! My day one was to learn more about the company, and what are the projects the company works on currently. My senior helped me with creating company logins and other set ups. Thanks to her, everything went very smoothly throughout the day. The next was the most exciting part.. Saying Hi to my team!!! We all know face time is a bit awkward sometimes even with our friends. Imagine face time with people who have you never seen before! I cannot describe how strange it was to say hi and introduce myself to a group of people on a video call while all they are silent and looking at me!
However via daily scrum meetings, group chats, random idea sharings I got used to my team. Overally, Loons Lab has been incredibly kind to me and made me feel welcomed to the company during a hectic time.They explained me every single thing and I wondered how supportive they are and how fast their replies are. My senior never fails to say “buzz me anytime when you come across a doubt” at the end of every call.

Unique experience

I feel blessed to have a very unique experience. Having a good foundation in career journey helps you to be more successful in your path. So I feel a little proud that I started my journey with Loons Lab as I believe that I have found the best place to start over. When you start the journey you have to learn many things to survive in the industry and also company processes and tools. It takes extra time to work on them and you need to be in a good condition both mentaly and physically. Since my senior always gives feedback on my ideas and work, it was easier for me to identify the areas that need to be improved in my work. Also she suggested and advised me on what are the things I should refer to and follow as a newbie to the field. I had enough time since I don’t have to commute. It saves my time and energy that I could spend reading articles, following video tutorials and practicing on my own. That helped me to learn things faster.

Settle for working from home

Adjusting to WfH presents some challenges itself. Firstly it was difficult to stick to a routine. I had to have my own schedule and decide my work order. A few weeks in and while things became quite normal and I got used to WfH. And there is something I couldn’t stop yet I
Got used to a habit of walking to the kitchen, from time to time and finding something to eat as it was a bit difficult to focus throughout the day 🙂 Having snacks was a motivation to me to do my best towards the tasks I had to perform even though now I have controlled myself to a certain limit ;).
Despite these concerns, I am thankful to start a job like this, especially during a turbulent time. I can’t wait to get into the real office and finally meet everyone in person.

I have not seen my team yet!!!

Picture credits: https://www.zenefits.com/workest/how-to-stay-connected-with-your-colleagues-while-working-from-home/