Congratulations on one of the biggest accomplishments of your career–graduating from optometry school. Your professional journey has just begun, and starting in the right direction will ultimately determine your destination. As you prepare for your first associateship you may be a little nervous, a little hesitant, and possibly a little scared. It is perfectly normal to be fearful about your new position. As a practicing optometrist, I can safely say the majority of optometrists were fearful when they were first starting out. Overcoming fears is primarily preparation and mindset. As a speaker and coach, I’ve been anxious before addressing hundreds of optometrists. I have found that my preparation prior to the event has been the key to alleviating fear.

In preparation for your first associateship, here is a list of things you can do to help alleviate the fear you may have.

1. Visit the practice – It is a good idea to place yourself in the setting that you will be practicing in.  Visit with the employer and see if you can shadow the doctors at the practice. In clinic, you most likely will not have problems doing what you were taught in school to do. Where you may feel insecure and fearful is in the conversations with the patient in the exam “wrap-up” and after you leave the exam room with the atient. Some practices will have a technician come for the patient, but there will still be a handoff between the optometrist and a staff member. Observing successful hand-offs will alleviate early fears.
2. Read a book or two about leadership and communication – Many associates fail  because they have poor relational skills. Basically, the chemistry with staff is not there and an employer would tend to replace an associate rather than a complete staff. Having chemistry with those you work with will determine how successful you will be. Consider reading a classic on this subject, How to Win Friends and Influence People – Carnegie.
3. Understand your Associate Agreement – It is extremely important that you understand the details of your associate agreement and job expectations. This will allow you to know how to meet and exceed expectations which leads to pay raises, partnership opportunities, and career satisfaction. I would highly recommend comparing your associate agreement with others in the optometry profession, so you know how your agreement stacks up. You maybe surprised at the differences.

If you want to be successful in your career it will take more than following directions and just doing what you are directed.  Those who are the most successful are taking the initiative to exceed the expectations of their employer. Opportunities are created.

For more information on this topic reference Eyelearn at Excelod.com for a webinar called Filling the Gap between Graduating and Practicing OD.