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

As I approach the conclusion of my internship, I find myself wrestling with a significant decision: should I inform my manager about my decision to defer my graduate school plans?

Let me take you through my current situation.

After graduating recently, I had every intention of continuing my education this fall, pursuing a master’s degree at my chosen university. I was thrilled to receive my acceptance and had even signed up for classes, all the while preparing for the financial commitment that comes with it.

Earlier this spring, I secured an internship, fully expecting that my path would lead me back to school for my master’s. This internship was a stepping stone, and pursuing my degree was a standard requirement for many roles in my field.

However, as the job market has shifted dramatically, I’ve reconsidered my immediate future. I’ve made the decision to defer my graduate studies for at least a year—a choice that my university has accepted. Instead, I now have a job offer lined up elsewhere starting in September. With the uncertainty lingering in the job market, I’m hesitant to pass up this opportunity, fearing the repercussions of being unemployed.

Throughout this process, I’ve kept up the façade of pursuing my master’s degree, but the deception has become burdensome. The only scenario in which I’d consider resuming my studies this year is if I receive a return offer from my present internship but on a different team where I see more potential growth. Unfortunately, the likelihood of this happening is slim, as I’ve learned no one has been hired on that team for the last two years.

Now, I’m faced with a pivotal choice: Should I express my decision to defer my educational plans to my manager? And should I also seek his guidance regarding potential opportunities for a return offer in that elusive team?

These questions weigh heavily on me. Open communication with my manager may not only provide clarity about my intentions, but it could also open doors to future opportunities. As I navigate this critical juncture in my career, I must weigh the importance of honesty against the potential risks of altering the expectations set during my internship.

In conclusion, while the path forward is not entirely clear, making informed decisions and communicating openly may yield the best outcomes in this unpredictable job landscape. Whether to disclose my change in plans is a decision I must carefully consider, as it may shape both my immediate future and career trajectory.