Navigating Career Decisions: Should I Inform My Manager About My Academic Plans?

As I approach the conclusion of my internship, I find myself grappling with a significant decision: should I share with my manager that I’ve opted not to return to school?

Let me provide some context. I recently completed my undergraduate studies with the intention of pursuing a Master’s degree this fall. I was excited to be accepted into my preferred university and even registered for classes, fully expecting to embark on this new educational journey.

Earlier this year, I secured a spring internship, believing it would complement my studies perfectly. However, as I prepare to finish this internship, the realities of the current job market have prompted me to reconsider my plans. After much thought, I’ve decided to defer my admission for at least a year, and instead, focus on starting my career (I have another job offer lined up for September). The last thing I want is to turn down this opportunity and risk unemployment.

Throughout this process, I’ve maintained the narrative that I would be attending graduate school this year, which has not been easy. The only scenario in which I might reconsider attending school immediately would be contingent on receiving a return offer for a different team at my internship—something that appears unlikely, given that the team hasn’t taken on new hires in the past two years.

This brings me to my current predicament: Should I disclose my change in plans to my manager? Furthermore, would it be wise to inquire about potential opportunities for a return offer in the other team I’m interested in?

Navigating these discussions can be tricky, especially when balancing honesty and ambition. It’s important to weigh the potential impact of such a conversation not just on my current position, but also on my long-term career trajectory.

In the coming weeks, I hope to find clarity in this decision, and I encourage anyone facing similar crossroads to engage in open communication. You never know where a conversation might lead you in your professional journey!