Let’s face it, we go into our internships thinking we’re going to dive deep into the workforce right off the bat. Most of the time though, it doesn’t work that way and we end up sitting there, twitteling our thumbs and calculating how little we actually have to work while appearing like we put in a max amount of effort. Sitting in an office all day can get boring and redundant, so naturally, we college kids get creative in finding things to do to fill up those eight hour days. Let’s go over some things you might have done, or might start doing, when you appear to be hard at work.

Constantly refresh your work email.

As if any of the very few people you communicate with have a sudden important message for you.

Value long conversations other employees engage in with you.

Hey, if they’re taking some time away from their work, then so can you right?

Appearing to write down valuable information in a notebook while occasionally looking at a computer screen.

I’ve been guilty of this one too many times where I’ve journaled or wrote down personal thoughts or to do lists, but everyone around thinks you’re doing your diligence and taking notes.

Signing on to social media.

Whoever says they are not guilty of this is a bold face liar, and you should steer clear of them at all costs.

Taking extra-long lunch breaks.

At a certain point of the internship, there comes a time when you know how to perfectly time out when your co-workers or employer leaves for lunch, and if you leave just after them, it becomes real easy taking 1.5 hour lunch breaks without them speculating.

Staring at the Google homepage.

Ever just sit there wondering what absurd things you can search next? Some days your search history ranges from “the latest on ISIS” to “world’s most cuddly reptile”.

Faking a personal phone call.

Ever just need to step out and get some fresh air for a minute… or ten? Or even just need some time to freely reply to your snapchats where you try to look like you’re hard at work?

Searching for post-graduation jobs.

Ever find yourself searching jobs that the, completely educating, internship you’re at can get you and how much they’ll pay?

Staring into space thinking about weekend plans.

You know what I’m talking about. You try to make it look like you’re deep in thought on the project you’re working on, but really you can’t stop day dreaming about that boat day coming up, and what kind of booze you’re going to pick up on your way home.

House keeping.

If you find yourself picking up around your personal workspace or even the general office area, you may have hit extreme rock bottom.

If you're guilty of many of these things, don't be too hard on yourself. You're not alone.