Navigating Career Choices: Should I Share My Decision with My Manager?

As my internship comes to a close, I’m faced with a pivotal decision: Should I inform my manager about my change in academic plans? Allow me to explain the situation.

After recently completing my undergraduate degree, I was all set to pursue a master’s program this fall. I received acceptance from my preferred university and even registered for classes, committing to a considerable tuition fee. My spring internship was aligned with these plans, as many internships require students to be enrolled in school.

However, as I assess the current job market, it has become clear that deferring my admission for at least a year is the more sensible choice. My university has approved this deferral, and I am contemplating starting my professional career instead. I have a job offer on the table for September, which I don’t want to decline. After all, the risk of staying unemployed looms large.

Up until now, I’ve been projecting confidence, telling colleagues and friends that I would be embarking on my master’s program this year. Yet, this has felt increasingly disingenuous, leaving me uneasy about the fibs I’ve had to tell.

I now face another challenge: the only scenario in which I would consider attending graduate school this year is if I receive a return offer from my current internship on a team I’m interested in. However, the chances of this happening seem slim, as that particular team has not onboarded anyone in the last two years, indicating they operate with a very tight roster.

Thus, I find myself at a crossroads. Should I confide in my manager about my decision to pause my graduate studies? Furthermore, would it be prudent to inquire about the potential for a return offer on that elusive team?

Your insights on how to communicate these points effectively would be incredibly valuable as I navigate this critical juncture in my career.