Researching the Company History
A fundamental understanding of the company’s history is important to grasp its self-concept and goals. Trainees should familiarize themselves with the founding years, significant milestones, and the company’s development. Information can often be found on the company’s website under the “About Us” or “History” section. Brochures, annual reports, and the company’s social media profiles also offer valuable insights. Knowing the key milestones of the company’s history helps during discussions with colleagues and supervisors and shows that the trainee has specifically prepared for the training.
Understanding the Company Culture
Every company has its own culture reflected in workflows, communication styles, and interpersonal dealings. Trainees should engage with the company’s values and guidelines before their first workday. These are often communicated in mission statements, ethics guidelines, or on the website. A good understanding of the company culture helps to integrate faster and avoid misunderstandings in interactions with colleagues or supervisors. For example, knowing that teamwork and open communication are prioritized in a company, one can adjust their behavior accordingly.
Exploring the Company Structure
Understanding the company structure is an essential part of preparing for the training. Trainees should get an overview of the hierarchies and departments to know which areas exist in the company and who is responsible for which tasks. A company organization chart, if available, is a helpful source. It shows how departments are interconnected and what levels of management exist. Knowing the structure makes it easier to quickly identify one’s duties and contacts within the company and to place them in a broader context.
Knowledge of Products and Services
Comprehensive knowledge about the company’s products and services is essential to begin the training well-prepared. Trainees should gather information on the main products the company offers, who the key customers are, and in which markets the company is active. This information is often found on the company’s website as well as in product brochures or catalogs. Targeted understanding of the offered products helps to contribute better in conversations with colleagues and shows that one has engaged deeply with the company’s core business.
Key Executives and Contacts
Good preparation also includes knowing the key executives and contacts within the company. Trainees should find out who makes up the management, department heads, and direct supervisors. This information is often found in the “Team” or “About Us” section of the company’s website. Knowing the key names and positions allows one to orient themselves more easily on the first day and approach colleagues directly. Additionally, it helps better understand responsibilities within the company and find the right contact for questions.
Knowledge of Company Locations
Especially in large companies with multiple locations, it is important to know the geographical structure. Trainees should gather information on what locations exist and which departments or production sites are located at the different sites. This information provides insight into the spatial organization and helps understand the collaboration between various branches better. When trainees know that certain products are only manufactured at a specific location, they can better classify internal processes and link their own activities more effectively.
Understanding Target Groups and Markets
A deeper understanding of the target groups and markets in which the company operates helps to better comprehend the strategic direction. Trainees should know whether the company primarily operates in the B2B (Business-to-Business) or B2C (Business-to-Consumer) sector and in which industries the key customers are found. Information on target groups and markets is often available in annual reports, marketing materials, or on the company’s website. This knowledge helps see one’s duties in the context of the company’s goals and better prepare for customer meetings or product presentations.
Familiarity with Current Projects and Developments
Trainees should also inform themselves about current projects and developments in the company before the first day. This includes, for example, new product developments, planned partnerships, or expansion plans. Such information is often found in the press releases on the company’s website or industry portals. Being informed about current developments shows interest in the company and enables more targeted participation in discussions. Understanding the company’s strategic goals also helps to better comprehend one’s role and the employer’s expectations.
Familiarization with Quality Standards and Certifications
In many industries, quality standards and certifications play an important role. Trainees should preemptively gather information on which standards and certificates are relevant in the company, such as ISO certifications or industry-specific standards. Knowing these certifications helps to understand the company’s quality requirements and align one’s tasks accordingly. It is sensible to acquire fundamental knowledge about the relevant standards to be better prepared and able to answer questions effectively during the workday.
Preparation for Company Culture and Internal Communication
Getting to know the internal communication methods is another important aspect of preparation. Trainees should inform themselves on which communication platforms are used (e.g., email, intranet, or specific corporate tools) and what forms of internal communication are customary. Some companies have more formal communication, while others maintain a more casual tone. Early awareness of these particularities allows one to adjust better and avoid inappropriate communication errors. It is also helpful to contact the trainer before the first day to align early and get an overview of the initial tasks.
