Julie Thiel, BS Pharm, PharmD
State of Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Division of Public Health, Bureau of Community Health Promotion, Family Health Section, Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs Unit Supervisor
Madison, WI
Dr. Julie Thiel completed her Bachelor of Science in 1998 from University of Wisconsin-Madison and Doctor of Pharmacy in 2015 through University of Florida-Gainesville’s Doctor of Pharmacy Program. She practiced community pharmacy at various locations in Northeast Wisconsin and in San Francisco, California for the first 10 years of practice. In 2008 she began working for the Wisconsin Department of Health Services at a shared services pharmacy at Winnebago Mental Health Institute and Wisconsin Resource Center. She was promoted to the position of Pharmacy Director and Lab Supervisor in 2014. Dr. Thiel transferred divisions in 2022 to the Division of Public Health. Dr. Thiel currently serves on the AAPP Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion work group, University of Wisconsin-School of Pharmacy’s Experiential Advisory Committee, Wisconsin Population Health Services Fellowship as a mentor and volunteer faculty, and Pharmacy Society of Wisconsin Board of Directors as Director at Large. She was recently selected to participate in the 2023-2024 Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs Leadership Lab.
It can be very exciting to be offered a job. Now you have a decision to make: accept the offer, keep looking, or stay where you are currently employed. In my 25 years of work experience, I have found that my most memorable and positive work experiences were because of wonderful co-workers that made coming to work every day a joy. There were times when going to work was difficult and stressful, especially if I didn’t feel welcomed, accepted, or included. What I’ve learned is that in addition to salary, location, and work duties, it is important to give thought to team culture and inclusion. In that regard, here are some tips to consider and reflect on:
Before you take a new position, ask yourself:
- How is it possible to get a feel for the workplace culture and team?
- How can I determine if a work site will be inclusive and welcoming?
- How do my values align with the organization’s purpose and mission?
- What is needed for me to feel like I belong on the team?
- During the interview:
- Observe the interview panel and look for a warm welcome and introductions.
- At the end of the interview, ask about workplace culture, teamwork, and current challenges.
- Find out how team members are involved in solving workplace problems and making changes. Ask for a recent example.
- Ask about the supervisor’s leadership style to determine if it would be a good fit with your personality. Find out how often the supervisor meets with the team and individual team members.
- Discuss the onboarding process, mentorship opportunities, and how new staff are supported. If applicable, ask how the company accommodates special needs or disabilities.
- After the interview, think about the questions that were asked of you. This may help you get a feel for current workplace issues, desired characteristics of employees, and job expectations. Do these align with you and your personal goals?
- If you can visit in person, observe how the team interacts.
- Did you receive a hello and a welcome?
- Did staff look up from their work and make eye contact with you?
- Do people seem to be enjoying and engaged in their work?
- Are team members talking to one another?
- Observe non-verbal cues such as body language, facial expressions, and eye contact.
- If you can visit in person, try talking to a few staff one-on-one.
- Ask how they like their work and how long they have been there.
- What is most rewarding about their job?
- How does the team work together?
- What is a current challenge for the team?
- Ask what efforts are underway for staff retention and workforce development.
- If you are not able to visit in person, consider requesting more information.
- Request a virtual meeting with a few team members to ask questions (listed above).
- It may be helpful to ask for a copy of workplace guidelines or rules such as requesting time off, use of leave time, and scheduling requirements.
After you take a new position, you may be asking:
- What if I discover I don’t feel part of the team?
- What if the workplace culture is not a fit?
- Focus on the skills you are building and work to learn one new thing every day.
- Try identifying the specific reason that is making you feel like you don’t belong.
- Be a team player; offer to help others out.
- When other team members offer to help you, accept the offer and follow with a show of gratitude, “I really appreciate your help today.”
- Build trust by following through and completing tasks.
- Be true to yourself but take time to understand the culture and see if you can adapt.
- Sometimes workplace culture is different than team culture. Workplace culture is set at the top. Team culture is driven by your team members. Determine where the issues lie. You can influence team culture more easily than workplace culture.
- Take time to make small talk at least once a day with coworkers.
- Ask a coworker to take a break with you by eating lunch or going for a walk.
- Connect with coworkers outside your work area.
- Request being matched with a mentor.
- Consider all the great qualities you bring to the team and talk to your supervisor about leveraging those assets.
- Maybe you like to socialize and would be great at organizing a team-building activity.
- Maybe you like working with other professionals and can volunteer to be on a committee.
- Maybe you like doing literature reviews and have a great idea for a journal club.
- Give yourself permission to take time adjusting to the new team, new role, and new responsibilities.
- Consider finding a volunteer opportunity outside of work to connect with other people in your community.
- Utilize resources from your university or employee assistance program.
- Communicate with your family and friends to stay connected and supported outside of work.
Last year I changed jobs after working in the same location and division for fourteen years. It was easy to forget how hard it is to start over, change roles, and learn a new job. The tips I shared are some things I considered before making the change and some of the strategies I’ve used, and still use, to adapt to my new position and role. Remember there are good days and difficult days with any job. If you’re considering a new opportunity, hopefully these tips will help you find an organization that makes you feel welcomed and part of the team!
