Getting Started
Before You Arrive
Now that you've been hired, you're looking forward to your first days and weeks in your new job with a mixture of excitement and a little trepidation. During this time, you should be in contact with the School of Engineering department, division, laboratory, center, or program (DLC) that hired you, as well as the contact in the Human Resources Department. The people there will advise you on what preparations you can make before you arrive on the job. These include:
- Getting an MIT ID number. This will enable you to apply for an email account (also known as an Athena account or a Kerberos ID) and get your picture taken for your MIT ID card.
- Getting your keys.
- Arranging for parking, or obtaining subsidized "T" passes.
- Getting a voicemail account on your telephone.
Also, the Getting Oriented section of MIT's Human Resources site is an excellent general resource for new employees. Be sure to check it.
Okay. So much for the business side of your preparations! We know you have many more questions simply about what it's like to be at MIT and at the School of Engineering. Why not take some time to look around our site and get to know more about MIT? Learn more about the School through our web site. For specific background information, you may want to take a look at the section About the School of Engineering, which presents an overview, our mission, and various statistics. Don't forget to visit Quality of Life Resources to begin to get a feel for this unique place.
Enjoy your exploration!
In the Beginning
When you arrive at your new job, someone will help see that you are set up with your office and computer needs, as well as point you in the right direction on initial paperwork and arranging your benefits orientation. Your manager will facilitate a few meetings to help you get to know your coworkers, as well as your peers in the School. A number of other associates will contact you for meetings during your first week, too. (See the provided checklist). You may want to arrange to meet individually with each of your coworkers to learn about their projects and experiences. Soon you will also meet with your peer advisor, who will help you navigate the learning curve for your position. Take a look at Employment Resources, too. (Note that the Human Resources Department is developing a redesigned orientation program for new MIT employees. The program is expected to debut in January 2003 and will have a new web site, "MIT Connections," at that time.)
You may start a "live" exploration of MIT now, building on what you discovered online. Get yourself a map of the campus. (Even "veterans" use these frequently!) There's a map in the back of the MIT telephone directory, or you can get one from the MIT Information Center. The online campus map can also be downloaded electronically.
You might find a tour helpful to get yourself acclimated to MIT. You can check out the virtual tour of the campus or take a student-guided tour that usually starts from Lobby 7 or the Stratton Student Center twice daily.