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I have had three "bigboy" software jobs in my career and the same thing has always served me well: It is always the expectation of those charged with the task

I have had three "bigboy" software jobs in my career and the same thing has always served me well: It is always the expectation of those charged with the task of training or managing you that early-on you will start slow and be an impediment to the company. If you can figure out a way to violate that expectation, e.g. produce something meaningful in your first 1-2 weeks, you will have made a good impression that will last for a while. Build on that impression.

busterarm 11y ago
Absolutely the best career advice I've ever received, btw. In my first "bigboy" job, a nine-month contract-to-hire gig at a very well known financial, I failed to violate this initial expectation. I did great work there (eventually) but was still not hired full-time because my slow start left lingering questions for a few key people that were never answered. Some managers fought to keep me, but it wasn't enough. On the day I was terminated, my manager told me that the one piece of advice he would give me was that wherever I go, make sure to kick ass right away. I've followed this ever since and it has paid huge dividends (constant, rapid promotions). Always be delivering value.