The hiring process can often be a complex and confusing process for both the hiring manager and the new employee. University Life's Onboarding Buddy Program aims to focus on the human side of onboarding. Onboarding Buddies are colleagues who volunteer to create a welcoming environment for new hires during their first several weeks in University Life.
Buddies are usually peers who help new hires for a short and definite period. They are often in a similar role and help you navigate the cultural norms of a new work environment. Onboarding Buddies uphold University Life's values and help instill a sense of pride and belonging in our division's newest members. This is not meant to be an employee mentorship program.
Once matched, onboarding buddies are expected to:
- Participate in one lunch or coffee meeting to connect with your buddy
- Touch base with them weekly during their first month of work
- Help orient them to life at Penn outside of their functional area of work
- Connect them with colleagues and campus partners that might aid with their sense of belonging
- Encourage them to bring their authentic self to work
If this sounds like you, please sign up to be considered as an Onboarding Buddy. We will do our best to match buddies with new hires based on roles, interests, and recommendations from the hiring manager. For further questions, please contact Mike Elias, Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives @ eliasml@upenn.edu