Succeeding in the Workplace
How to Succeed in the U.S. Workplace
Familiarize yourself with the tasks and responsibilities of your internship or training program. Understanding what is required of you at your host company will make your transition to your new workplace easier. Your host company is going to expect the same level of commitment to your tasks and responsibilities as expected from their U.S. employees. Keep the following practices in mind when starting your program:
- Come to work on time: Punctuality is very important and repeated lateness can lead to the loss of a job.
- Smile and be positive: Americans are prone to smiling, especially in service-oriented industries such as hospitality.
- Treat customers and clients with respect: A common phrase in U.S. business is, *“The customer is always right.”
- Work quickly and efficiently: You will be expected to have a strong work ethic and to manage your time wisely.
- Be open to new ways of doing things: American business practices may require more flexibility or direct communication than those in your home country.
- Be willing to meet new people: Americans are generally friendly and outgoing and will be curious about your culture and home country.
- Take care of personal hygiene: Cleanliness is very important in the American workplace. Be sure to bathe daily and use deodorant.
- Beards and mustaches should be kept neat.
- Communicate frequently with your boss: Many misunderstandings are simply due to a lack of communication.
- Be patient: You may feel that the American culture and English language are overwhelming at first, but with time, you will learn and understand more.
- Dress neatly and conservatively: Conceal body art, like tattoos and piercings. Observe your environment and take cues from supervisors on what’s appropriate and expected.
- Adhere to the company’s employee manual.
- Avoid asking coworkers questions about their salary, age, weight, politics, or other personal matters.
- Practice your English as often as possible!
Onboarding in the Workplace
At the beginning of your program, there are a few things that you will be asked to complete as a new Intern or Trainee at the company.
Paperwork:
- You will be required to fill out the W-4 and I-9 forms as discussed in the Tax Information section.
- Your host company may also require you to sign confidentiality agreements as a condition of employment. These agreements serve to protect knowledge and information that belongs exclusively to your host company. Such confidentiality agreements occur frequently in research, development, and IT fields.
Drug Testing:
- U.S. host companies also have the right to request that you undergo a drug test at the start of your program and any point thereafter, even without notice. If you test positive, you will be asked to return to your home country.
Office Culture & Workplace Relations
The J-1 Visa holder will need to consider all costs associated with bringing J-2 dependents to the U.S. Please keep in mind that there is no guarantee a J-2 dependent will receive work authorization. Therefore, the J-1 Visa holder must prove they can support all J-2 dependents independently without needing to rely on additional income from a J-2 dependent. Please contact us directly to discuss the recommended proof of funds amount for your particular situation, as it may vary based on location, number of dependents, and whether you intend to bring dependents under the age of 18.
