College grads who land that coveted first job this summer may find it will take some time to find a comfort level in their new work environment, a new national survey of employees reveals.

When asked how long it takes to fit in and feel comfortable at a new job, 40 percent of more than 1,000 U.S. adults polled by Everest College reported the time frame can be quite lengthy – more than eight weeks (cited by 18 percent) or five to eight weeks (22 percent). Another 34 percent replied two to four weeks.

Yet, several tactics exist to help employees feel comfortable at their new position, according to survey respondents. Nearly six in ten (58 percent) said a personal mentor in their new workplace would be an asset. Other ways cited to ease the transition to a new job included more hands-on experience while in college (named by 46 percent) and an internship/externship prior to employment (43 percent). One-quarter (25 percent) said college instructors who have similar job experience would help achieve a comfort level. (Multiple responses were permitted.)

A majority of respondents – 55 percent – said when they started their first job after college, they already had prior knowledge of the working environment and company culture of their new employer. The Everest poll results are based on the responses of 1,005 adults, ages 18 and older and currently employed, with an associate, bachelor’s, master’s or higher degree from a college or university. Respondents completed an online survey February 27 through March 13, 2014.