Getting up to speed is a challenge, particularly when starting a new role with a company working in a domain in which you are unfamiliar.
Collective learning can get bogged down while you are catching up. Here are four ways to get a head start in your learning:
Do Some Research
Given a domain with an existing history, learn who the “thought leaders” are. Consume their content, whether books, blogs, or videos. They have thought about the challenging problems in the domain and may have already provided solutions. Their knowledge gives yours a quick boost.
Build a Glossary
Whenever you come across a term you haven’t heard before, write it down. Create a document with questions you have. Take the time to find the definitions of those terms and answers to those questions. Build a glossary you can refer to during discussions with domain experts or your team. Share this with the team and other new hires to acclimate everyone.
Interact
When possible, interact with both people and the system. Get “out in the field” to see how users interact in the domain and with the system. If it makes sense, dogfood the product - create a test account and try to work with the software your team has already built.
Map It Out
Create a map of the systems to your best understanding. Review it with a domain expert who can fill in the gaps in your knowledge.