For many, the first day at a new company is the first strong impression of what work life will look like in the long term. But for some, those first impressions begin the moment the offer is signed.
This was the experience of iCapital SVP of Product Management Anjali Singh, who got a sense of how well-prepared and attentive the company was as she began receiving onboarding details leading up to her first day. iCapital’s onboarding team, in particular, presented information in a way that made the new-hire experience feel informative without being overwhelming.
Even in the weeks following Singh’s first day, regular new-hire group check-ins from the onboarding team and conversations with her colleagues confirmed that she had found the right place to work. The welcoming atmosphere and palpable support shown by coworkers were evidence of a company culture of transparency and accountability.
“For any organization, its people define the culture,” said Singh.
Aligning new hires to a company culture is one of several benefits of a strong onboarding experience. According to research compiled by BambooHR, a good onboarding experience improves employee retention, transparency in communication, employee trust and overall productivity.
Built In sat down with Singh to learn more about what made her first impression of iCapital so successful.
What was your onboarding experience like at iCapital?
My onboarding process, starting from pre-boarding, was well-structured and straightforward. I want to emphasize the word “straightforward” because the onboarding team paid immense attention to how the information was presented to get the new hires acclimated to the organization effectively without overwhelming us.
The Standout Features of iCapital’s Onboarding
In Singh’s own words, these are the aspects of the onboarding process that stood out:
- Clear Guidance: “The structured approach to onboarding, which was highly effective, made it easy to navigate through various paperwork, introductions and initial training sessions.”
- Supportive Environment: “Throughout the process, I felt supported by both the onboarding team and my new colleagues. They were patient and understanding, making it easier for me to ask questions and seek assistance when needed.”
- Detail Oriented: “The attention to detail in organizing my workspace, setting up my accounts and ensuring I had all the necessary resources left me feeling inspired and ready to focus on learning and adapting to my new role.”
The highlight for me was that the onboarding process didn’t conclude within one month of my joining date. Instead, the onboarding team hosted frequent new-hire check-ins that gave me an opportunity to connect with fellow new joiners and to learn from each other.
What pleasantly surprised you after you joined the team?
Every week, iCapital CEO Lawrence Calcano shares a crucial update with the entire organization, providing a comprehensive overview of the key topics that shape our company’s direction. It’s pleasantly surprising to see how the weekly update tradition has continued from iCapital’s initial years, especially considering our tremendous growth in size. It shows the commitment to scaling the organization while fostering a cohesive company culture.
When did you know you made the right choice to join your company?
In my early days at iCapital, I was immediately struck by the warm welcome I received. Everyone I met, whether from my team or the broader organization, took the time to help me settle in and feel part of the community. This reassured me that I had made the right choice in joining the company.
One of the most striking aspects of iCapital’s culture is the empowerment of every individual, irrespective of their role or title, to challenge the status quo and present their ideas. This inclusive approach fosters a safe environment where constructive challenges are encouraged and support is always at hand.
How have you hit the ground running since you joined, and what are you most excited to accomplish in the near future?
I leveraged multiple tools and strategies to reach my break-even point as soon as possible. However, the two key areas of focus for me were building relationships and job shadowing. These go hand-in-hand, as there’s no better way for new hires to understand how an organization works than to shadow a variety of employees, and building connections with key stakeholders is a critical step in setting yourself up for future success. I am truly thrilled about the prospect of engaging with our user base, delving into their daily routines and identifying the challenges they face.
“There’s no better way for new hires to understand how an organization works than to shadow a variety of employees, and building connections is a critical step in setting yourself up for future success.”
How are you most excited to grow at iCapital?
As a lifelong learner, I am excited to continue to grow and educate myself on the latest tools and technologies at iCapital. I am looking forward to learning about the current iCapital product offerings and user experience to build better solutions for the alternatives industry. Fortunately, iCapital offers extensive structured training and fosters a culture of continuous learning that I plan to leverage to fulfill my professional growth.
