The graduate quiz


You're about to step from the comfort of university into the big bad world — with only debt, job interviews and nagging parents as companions.

Take our quiz to find out what kind of graduate you are and how best to survive. Questions by Sanya Burgess

Please complete this question. You must select 1 answer(s).

1) Where did you spend most of your time at university?

In the library. You’ve got to arrive at half six in the morning if you want the best seat!

In the students' union bar. I can strawpedo a bottle of wine in five seconds

At my part-time job; I worked in a bar

Either at the gym or on my MacBook Air, watching The Apprentice

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2) How do you feel about your loan?

What loan? Mummy and Daddy paid my fees, rent and living expenses – including my Jägerbombs

It’s an investment in my future. I got a lot out of my course, and with consistent hard work and a good job I should have it paid off within 20 years

When I’m running my own start-up I'll take a low salary so I can avoid the repayments for a while. Then, when I’m rolling in it, I’ll move to the Cayman Islands. Good luck, HMRC

I’ve not thought too much about it. I don’t have to pay it off until I find a job… right?

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3) The concept of finding a job is…

Fine. I know I’ll do well in the interview but I am a bit worried about the application forms

A bit scary. I wish I knew what I wanted to do! I spent so much time revising I didn’t think about what would happen afterwards

A walk in the park - when you can play the nepotism card

Not relevant. I have the beginnings of a business plan and I’ve already been lurking on crowdcube.com to find funding

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4) The idea of having to move back in with your parents is…

Fine. I get on with my parents and I can handle a temporary commute. There’s no way I can afford to rent

Out of the question. They’ve bought a place on the King’s Road as an investment, so I’ll just move in there. It’s right next to JuJu, which is a total bonus

Okay. It won’t be for long as I’ll soon be raking in the millions

Not necessary. I’ve got savings from working during university, so I can afford to rent if I flat-share

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5) What is your social media presence like?

I don’t have much apart from a pretty bare LinkedIn page. I was too busy working to have a social life, let alone enough of one to put online

On point. My Facebook profile picture is Kitty, Hugo and I bolting jugs of Pimm's at Henley last year

There’s nothing mortifying on there but I guess it could do with a bit of a clean-up

My Instagram already has thousands of followers and will be a good platform to showcase my business

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6) Would you consider doing a post-grad?

No, it’s a waste of time. I need to start networking and concentrating on my business

Definitely. I’m not sure what I want to do so at least I could keep improving my skills while trying to figure out what career is right for me

Sure, why not? I’d do it in something like creative advertising. I could be the next Don Draper, which would be handy seeing as Dad works for M&C Saatchi

Perhaps, but I think I’d rather get stuck into a career

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7) What about becoming your own boss?

Just call me Richard Branson

I don’t really mind, as long as I earn a lot

I’d love to manage my own team, so perhaps one day

No, it’s too daunting - I’d need a lot more experience before I would consider that

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8) How do you feel about having to dress smartly for work?

Darling, I always dress well

I hadn’t really thought about it

I’m going into full executive mode. Savile Row, here I come!

I’m a believer in dressing for the career you want, not the job you have

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9) Would you ever consider having an in-office relationship?

No way, I’ll be too busy setting up my empire

As long as it’s not against company policy, then… sure!

Only if they are fit

No way, too risky!

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10) What are you most looking forward to about getting a job?

The office party

Making it onto The Sunday Times Rich List

Carving out a successful career through hard work

Meeting new people and gaining life experience

Please complete all of the questions.

How did you do?

Studious Sally

Description of image You’re all work and no play, and sometimes in life you have to relax a little. You worked incredibly hard at university, which means you’ll look great on applications, but finding success in the graduate world is also about social skills and learning when to take risks. Keep up the hard work, but make sure you go along to after-work drinks on a Friday too, to get to know your colleagues out of work and make some friends.

Gregarious Georgia

Description of image You’ve always made friends easily and as a result you have fantastic people skills, which are invaluable in the work place. You got a reasonable degree, but prospective employers might worry about your work ethic. Make sure you do your research on any roles you apply for, to show them you can take things seriously.

Entrepreneurial Evan

Description of image You’ve got motivation by the bucket-load, but raw ambition won’t take you all the way. If you’re serious about setting up your own business, roll up your sleeves and nail down a solid business plan – and have a back-up plan. It’s hard work becoming your own boss and it’s vital you take that seriously.

Pampered Percy

Description of image Some might say your parents have been supportive of you, others will say you’ve been spoilt. You’ve had an easy ride and little responsibility, but family connections will only get you so far. You need to get motivated to do something constructive with your life and to make the most of the chances that have come your way. Get a job -- any job -- and knuckle down.

Answers

1) Where did you spend most of your time at university?

2) How do you feel about your loan?

3) The concept of finding a job is…

4) The idea of having to move back in with your parents is…

5) What is your social media presence like?

6) Would you consider doing a post-grad?

7) What about becoming your own boss?

8) How do you feel about having to dress smartly for work?

9) Would you ever consider having an in-office relationship?

10) What are you most looking forward to about getting a job?