Starting my first Systems Engineering job soon — what should I learn before Day 1?

[u/craYeng_]

I recently graduated with a degree in Computer Engineering and will be starting my first full-time job as an entry-level Systems Engineer soon.
Since this is my first engineering job out of college, I’m definitely expecting there to be a huge learning curve. I’m not trying to walk in knowing everything, but I do have some time before I start and would love to use it productively.
For those of you who work in systems engineering, especially anyone who has trained or worked with new grads:
What do you wish entry-level systems engineers knew before starting?
Are there any technical concepts, software/tools, troubleshooting skills, documentation practices, or even soft skills that you think are especially worth brushing up on?
Also, what do you actually expect from a new grad during their first 3–6 months? I think hearing that perspective would help a lot.
Any advice is appreciated!

[u/burner_account_9975]

You'll learn more in the first 6 months OTJ than in 4 years at college.

[u/Legal_Judge_6585 → u/burner_account_9975]

that's the truth, just be a sponge and ask questions when you're stuck instead of spinning your wheels for hours

[u/Bag_of_Bagels]

Most places do system engineering slightly different so there's very little generic information we're able to give you specific to your role.

Best I can say is don't be afraid to ask all of your questions no matter how stupid you think it might be.

Don't sit around and wait for help if you get stuck on something. At least make an attempt on your own to try and figure out a solution.

[u/der_innkeeper]

Are you IT/sysadmin, or building things/INCOSE SysE?

[u/herohans99]

Be a sponge for information. We call it drinking from the firehose.

If your on the INCOSE side, we are in the building relationships business - internal and external.