First 90 Days
Getting your first job in the U.S. can make you feel both excited and nervous. At home, the work culture might have been different. For example, managers might have given direct orders, coworkers might have had similar backgrounds, and there might not have been much emphasis on paperwork. But here in the USA , it's easy to see that the first 90 days can set the tone for the rest of the trip.
The First 30 Days: Time to Learn
You might be surprised to learn that managers don't expect results right away in the first week. The message is more often, "Take the time to learn how we work."
This is the time to follow your coworkers around, read through the documentation, and keep a personal log of things that don't make sense yet. Asking questions like "Why do we prioritize this feature first?" or "Who signs off on requirements?" shows that you are interested, not weak.
By the end of the month, you might not be an expert, but you will have earned trust because you are eager to learn.
The Next 30 Days—Finding the Right Fit
Around day 45, you start to understand that culture fit is more than just having lunch with your team or chatting on Zoom. It's about how you get along with other people.
People in the U.S. workplaces value clear communication, like "Here's what I've done, here's what's next, and here's where I'm stuck." It's also important to respect work-life boundaries. People notice when someone is responsive but also knows when to say no.
Small victories matter. It's easier to build trust quickly by automating a checklist, making a workflow better, or finding a quick fix than by working on big, long-term projects.
The Last 30 Days—Adding Value
By day 75, you go from watching to making a difference. Taking charge of a standup, writing down workflows in Confluence, or sharing structured meeting notes with tasks to do are all signs of ownership.
Documentation becomes a secret weapon. By writing down what you've learned and the important decisions you've made, you not only help yourself grow, but you also become a resource for new teammates.
The Lesson
On day 90, you realize that
To be successful, you don't have to know everything.
Being curious, flexible, and trustworthy leads to success.
This is the simple rhythm:
Listen and learn for the first 30 days.
Next 30 days: Make connections and get small wins.
Last 30 days: give, write down, and show how valuable you are.
That's how to turn the unknowns of the first 90 days into a strong base for long-term success.
Pro Tip:
Write in a simple journal every day for 90 days. Every week, write down what you learned, who you met, and the small achievements you had. By day 90, you'll have a clear picture of how you've made a difference. This is great for performance reviews, boosting your confidence, and even updating your resume or LinkedIn.
