The 5 Common Personality Types of Interns
Every internship cycle encounters a bulk of candidates who commonly fall into one of five personalities. Although most interns are generally positive, many also fall into the trap of being remembered for their not-so-outstanding attributes. To find out which one you fall into read the lists below and see how many of the statements you agree with.
1. The Slacker
The Slacker sees the internship as a chore rather than an opportunity. The Slacker would often be the last person to offer their help on a project and would make up excuses to avoid responsibilities. Although they would do what they’re told, but it’s always limited to the scope of the task and they will never put in the extra miles to really impress.
Often heard saying:
- “Sorry I didn’t meet the deadline; I had problems with my e-mail.”
- “I won’t be able to do that as I have a personal matter to attend to that day.”
- “Maybe someone else would be interested in doing this?”
If you are the Slacker, you will need to:
- Start taking internships more seriously and see it as real work.
- Pursue an internship where you would be interested in the industry and the work profession.
- Try to become more enthused about the mundane tasks. Sure, they’re boring, but it’s what you make out of it. For every task, there’s always a way to go beyond the expectations.
2. The Workaholic
The Workaholic is usually the first to arrive and the last to leave – all day and every day. Unlike the Slacker, the Workaholic will take on more tasks than they could handle and be involved in way too many projects all at once. As a result, they tend to be more stressed and end up missing deadlines or submitting incomplete work.
Often heard saying:
- “I’m currently really busy with five other things, but I think I can fit one more task in.”
- “I didn’t leave the office until 11 p.m. last night.”
- “I had to rush this to have it completed on time.”
If you are the Workaholic, you will need to:
- Start prioritising tasks and be realistic about your schedule. That way, you can spend more time on perfecting a task rather than rushing it through.
- Learn to say ‘no’ if you’re extremely busy – people will understand and won’t see this as a weakness.
- Learn to have a work and life balance as people see this as a useful skill to have.
3. The Arrogant One
The Arrogant One would have completed several internships already and maybe has the most experience out of all the other interns. They would brag about their knowledge and often interrupt conversations with an anecdote of their previous accomplishments – although it might not have any relevance. The Arrogant One think that there’s nothing more they need to improve on.
Often heard saying:
- “Well, at the other company I interned in, I did…”
- “I don’t think this is right as I’ve never done it this way before.”
- “It’s pretty easy; I’m not sure why you don’t get it.”
If you are the Workaholic, you will need to:
- See the internship as an opportunity to learn new things, rather than to show off what you already know.
- Use your knowledge to help fellow interns out. People will notice this and appreciate your offer.
- Be humble about your experience and share your knowledge when it’s appropriate. A great idea would be wasted if you’re on another tangent.
- Learn to accept criticisms from others and be open to honest feedback.
4. The Tired One
Who said you can’t party all summer and still complete an internship? The Tired One will be burning the candle on both ends and often arrive to work looking less than impressive. They might still carry the stench of last night’s party and spend more time in the bathroom than at their desk. The Tired one fails to show up on time and have little or no input in meetings as they struggle to keep awake or contain their yawns.
Often heard saying:
- “Sorry I’m late again.”
- “I probably won’t join the team for lunch as I’m pretty tired.”
- “What was said in the meeting? Somehow I zoned out.”
If you are the Tired one, you will need to:
- Pace your social life so you can arrive to work looking fresh and awake.
- Just like the Workaholic, learn to have a work and life balance so you don’t burn yourself out too quickly.
- Be smart about your choices. If you have a 10 a.m. meeting the next day, it might be worth to have a quiet and early night.
5. The Wallflower
This intern is quiet, shy and will be soon forgotten after they finish the internship. Unlike the Arrogant one, the Wallflower doubt their own abilities. Although they might have a great idea, they won’t speak what’s on their mind for fear of being ‘wrong’ or shut down by others. This type of intern often completes tasks exceptionally, but lacks confidence when it comes to discussions or brainstorms.
Often heard saying:
- “No, I don’t have anything great to add.”
- “Oh, my ideas are pretty lame.”
- “Well, I don’t think I would be good at this.”
If you are the Wallflower, you will need to:
- Make yourself heard in meetings and contribute your ideas and thoughts.
- Don’t second guess yourself and worry too much about being wrong. Being an intern is all about making the mistakes and learning from them.
- See yourself as an asset to the company and team. You have been selected out of all the other applicants so people do see value in you.
Have you come across any of the five following intern types? Or maybe we’ve missed a personality type so let us know by commenting below!
