Quick quiz: what kind of intern are you?

1. It’s your first day in the office. What are you wearing?

A. Jeans. Trainers. What I usually wear, to be honest. This is me, so what’s the point in pretending to be someone else?
B. A dark suit, with concealed weaponry to take out the opposition. The other interns, that is.
C. Errr… dunno. Whatever was on the floor this morning. Plus yesterday’s eyeliner. And last night’s tattoo.
D. I checked out the dress code in advance, so whatever my work experience colleagues are wearing, whether it’s smart casual or a suit. The message: I fit in, and you want me to stay.

2. Still on day one. When do you show up?

A. I’m on time, though only just – but what’s the point in sitting round twiddling your thumbs while everyone else crawls in?
B. Seconds before the other interns. We signed in at reception together. Then they took the stairs, so I took the lift. It’s not when you get in that counts – it’s getting in first.
C. Still haven’t made it in. Got the dates wrong, and I’m still on my flight back from China.
D. Ten minutes early. I checked out my route in advance and left myself plenty of time. I got to the office way before I needed to, but decided to find somewhere else to wait rather than turn up before any of my colleagues.

3. Day one: what’s for lunch?

A. Haven’t thought that far ahead, but I’ll definitely be having breakfast at my desk. Every day. That’ll save some time in the mornings. 
B. I’m going to ask my supervisor out; my treat. At some point I’ll probably raid the fridge and plant the blame on someone else.
C. When I finally make it in on Day Two, I might bring in what’s left of tonight’s takeaway curry. The smell reminds me of my travels. Plus it’ll be something for my colleagues to remember me by.
D. I brought in a sandwich just in case, but if someone in the office asks me to join them I’d be delighted to go along.

4. Day one: all the interns are invited to a presentation by the work experience supervisor.

A. Made it, but only just. I’ll shuffle in and stand at the back, and hope nobody notices.
B. I’ll be right at the front, elbows out, and if there’s a chance to ask questions nobody else is going to get a word in edgeways.
C. Great, that’s really interesting, but if my mobile rings I’ve really got to answer the call – I’ve just got back from travelling and I’ve got a lot of catching up to do.
D. I’ll go along with a couple of intelligent questions in mind and make sure I pay attention, so I don’t ask about something that’s already been covered. If I don’t get an opportunity to find out everything I want to know I’ll save my queries for later – there will be other opportunities over the course of the placement.

5. Day two: you’re set a project to work on, along with the other interns.

A. Well, OK, but if it’s too boring I think I might do my own thing, or just spend some time on Facebook.
B. The others are history. I’m going to do whatever it takes to make sure I come out on top.
C. Work? What work? After I’ve finished on Facebook I’m going to hide under my desk and sleep off my jetlag.
D. Great. I’ll make sure I contribute to the best of my ability, support the efforts of the team and show my supervisor what I’m capable of.

6. Last day: you and the other interns have to put together a presentation on your project.

A. Maybe I could turn over the pages on the flipchart. A small but crucial role. It’s got to be in Powerpoint you say? Oh dear.
B. I’m the obvious candidate to make this presentation. And if I’m speaking, I’m going to decide what to say and how to say it. Nobody else is going to get a look-in.
C. The others aren’t really talking to me, since I’ve spent so much time putting my holiday snaps online. Who cares? Let them do it.
D. We all need to have a chance to contribute and a role to play. So long as we make sure our presentation is well structured and we practise, we’ll be fine. This is a great opportunity to hone the skills we’ll need to shine at assessment centres when we’re applying for graduate jobs.

7. Last day: all the interns are invited to drinks at lunchtime.

A. Might go along, if I’m not meeting my friend, or going shopping. Got to take advantage of being right in the centre of town – who knows when I’ll be back?
B. Definitely not going to pass on the message. Then it’ll be just me, me, me.
C. Drinks? Free drinks? I’m there. Got to get something out of this experience, and why not start Friday evening early?
D. Count me in – but I’m going to be on my best behaviour. I want to show that I can network in social situations, and confirm the good impression I’ve made by focusing on the tasks in hand during my placement.

Now tot up your answers…

Mostly As: If you want to get the most out of the world of work, you need to learn how to play by the rules. You’re not going to get the chance to shine if prospective employers are turned off by what they see as a lack of professionalism.

Check out our advice on how to behave during work experience. If you’re reluctant to sacrifice your individuality, have a good think about finding the right graduate employer for you.

Mostly Bs: Whoa, Machiavelli! You’re a player, and office politics is your game. The other interns will be freaked out by you, and even your work experience supervisor may feel a little nervous when you’re around. Just don’t eye up that corner office too openly just yet… There’s a wise old saying that it’s smart to be nice to the people you meet on your way up, as you might come across them on your way back down.

In the meantime, why don’t you explore our guidance to the top ten skills that’ll get you a job when you graduate – and pay special attention to the value of teamwork?

Mostly Cs: It’s not always easy to segue from student life to the brave new world of work, and you’re going to need to put some serious effort into overcoming your culture shock. Maybe your heart’s just not in it right now and you should give some thought to planning a gap year before launching yourself into your graduate career.

We’ve got lots of advice to help you make the best possible use of time out. You might also want to get your head round how to approach group exercises and how to deliver a perfect presentation.

Mostly Ds: You’re super-diligent, well organised and ultra-professional, and who knows, you might be rewarded with the offer of a place on the graduate programme when you finish your placement. If not, though, you’ve got the attitude and aptitudes needed to succeed in your graduate job applications. Check out our applications and CVs advice to help you on your way.