Our computers are all hooked up to the JSI intranet. Tech support is great, and you'll probably go through a technology orientation on your first few days. We've got a Groupwise email platform that lets you keep track of work emails, book conference rooms, and check to see if other co-workers are busy at certain times of the day. All our records are on the K drive, the main hard drive for all things Boston Partners. Depending on your project, someone will show you where your files go and which folders are yours. Remember, it's all public information, so if you need anything, go for it!
You'll also get a little bit of personal harddrive space on the R drive. You can save any files that aren't as publically shared there. I saved my timesheets, random pictures, job applications, and whatever else documents that I worked on throughout the year on the R drive.
I used some space for lolcats and funny animal pictures
The paper files that I was mainly involved with were Math Rules! files, in Barbara and Wendy's office. Wendy has a great system for managing all the forms, paperwork, surveys, etc. for Math Rules!. Depending on your project, you might not have to deal with any paper filing. Check with your supervisor or the higher-ups on where things are.
I'm sure you'll also get an orientation on how to use the fancy fancy printer/copier/emailer machine. JSI has us hooked up on the printing devices and it's fun to watch it make copies.
- Tips for office life:
- I highly recommend getting yourself a Google account. I keep track of multiple emails, scheduling in Calendar, blog, use Google documents to send files to myself or other people, and who knows what else. Google Calendars saved my life and helped me stay super organized with a very busy schedule.
A glimpse into my calendar, Google Calendar = most helpful thing ever - Decorate your cubicle a bit! I found that putting up some pictures, inspirational quotes, funny comics, all my cards, and pep rally encouragements really made my cubicle happy.
- Bring lunch in as much as possible!! While the Fort Point area is close to Chinatown, Downtown Crossing, the North End, and other restaurants in the area, it's generally super expensive!! The Financial District people have money to spend, but I don't. The closest, fastest, default place you'll end up going for lunch is Metro (an average 8 or 9 bucks for lunch, ew!). If the weather is nice, you can hike it out to Downtown Crossing or Chinatown, but a significant part of the year is either too hot or too cold to venture outside for long.
- If you need breaks, I highly suggest browsing the news, finding webcomics, or checking out the lolcat franchise for laughs.
- Take time to be social everyday. As long as you aren't chatting 90% of your day, checking in with other people around the office will keep you productive and happy at work. But be careful of gossip in the office! Yes, we're all human and some of us are more prone to gossip, but do it out of the office if you must. And don't let it affect how you treat your co-workers. We're all in it together and you will still have to work with them tomorrow.
- Ask for help!! This is a big thing I needed to work on this year when I didn't have much to do on my project. Refer back to your service plan or make one for the year, some major goals & objectives. Also remind your supervisor to help you with your goals or if you have issues or have hit a block.
- Take time to get out of the office when you can, take a walk! The office is right next to the Children's Museum and deck with a great view of Downtown Boston. You can also walk around the Courthouse for a view of the ocean and the North End. Boston Commons is 20 minute walk from the office, great for picnics and people watching.
- If your schedule/project allows for it, volunteer with Boston Partners through some of our programs. How else are you going to understand what kind of work we do if you don't participate? Power Lunch and Math Rules! are great programs to get started with, and almost everyone in the office volunteers.
- Use Pandora, use headphones, take small dance parties, something to spice up your life. Sometimes people working around you won't mind a bit of music, but remember headphones just in case someone doesn't like your Reggaeton :P
- I know I said to bring your food in, but sometimes organizing an office lunch outing can be awesome. I did this my first month of work and it was a good chance to get out and have lunch with people. Be careful, restaurants aren't great for conversations. I would also suggest going out for lunch with a smaller group.
