The first day on a new job can be, quite frankly, terrifying. Especially if it’s not just your first shift at the local diner – if you’re starting out in the music industry, you might be a little more than scared. I should know – today I had my first day working in a new internship at Artist Arena. Here in the UK we’re based out of the Warner Music International offices (Artist Arena is much smaller on this side of the Atlantic – in fact, my boss and I are the only ones). Walking into that marble lobby with all the security, giant video screens and 2001: Space Odyssey-esque pass gates is somewhat daunting, so here are the tips that I’ve collected over my various jobs that I use to keep a cool head and survive your first day:

• Do as much in advance as you can. Plan your outfit the night before. Make a dry run to the office. Chances are, you’ll be working in a busy city and relying on the public transport system, so make sure you know the ins and outs of your journey before you head out for real. Taking the stress element out on your first morning can be a life saver.
• Bring cakes. Bake them if you can, or stop off at your favourite cupcakery on the way in. It’s not just a brown-nosing technique (though, believe me, you’ll be very popular) – bringing in something that will make people come to your desk can be a great ice breaker and you’ll get to know people a lot faster. Plus, you know, it’s always nice to have something yummy to snack on.
• Bring too much, not too little. Your first day is full of undetermined variables. Will you get a lunch hour to run to Starbucks, or does everyone bring leftovers into the office kitchen? You might be a little too nervous to ask your boss, so shove an apple and a sandwich into your bag just in case. Similarly, bring a pen in case you forget where the supply closet is, and make sure you have some form of identification with you for the inevitable forms you’re going to have to fill out (and that means your passport of driving license, not an outdated high school bus pass).

Keep to these simple steps and you’ll breeze through your first day. Just as you should – don’t forget to pat yourself on the back for getting the job in the first place! Over the next few months I’ll be keeping a blog on my internship, so keep checking back and please don’t be afraid to ask me questions or shoot me an email. Good luck in your new job!