Navigating Career Decisions: Should You Share Your Post-Internship Plans with Your Manager?

As the end of my internship draws near, I find myself at a crossroads, faced with a significant decision regarding my future academic and professional path, and I’m unsure about the best way to approach it with my manager.

Upon graduation, I was immediately enthusiastic about pursuing my master’s degree and even made arrangements to begin classes this fall. I secured acceptance from my desired university and took the initiative to sign up for courses, which came with a hefty tuition bill.

However, an unexpected spring internship has shifted my perspective. Initially, the aim of this internship was to gain relevant experience while preparing for grad school—an essential step for students seeking internships in my field. Now, with the job market feeling rather unpredictable, I have considered postponing my graduate studies for at least a year. The university has been accommodating, allowing me to defer my admission. Additionally, I have received a job offer that begins in September, which I feel compelled to accept rather than risk unemployment.

Throughout this transition, I have maintained the facade of pursuing my master’s program this fall, and it has grown increasingly challenging to uphold this narrative. The only circumstance under which I might reconsider continuing with my master’s this year would involve receiving a return offer from my current internship—preferably on a different team that intrigues me. However, given that this team hasn’t hired anyone for the last two years, the likelihood of that happening seems slim.

This brings me to my current dilemma: Should I come clean to my manager about my decision to defer grad school? Additionally, should I open a dialogue about potential return offers on the team I am interested in?

The choice ahead is not only about my educational and career trajectory but also about how transparent I should be with my manager. It’s a tricky situation, balancing professional relationships while navigating my ambitions.

As I consider these options, I welcome any insights or advice from those who may have faced a similar crossroads. Your experiences and suggestions could help guide my decision-making process during this pivotal moment in my career.