Navigating Career Decisions: Should You Share Your Future Plans with Your Manager?

As my internship comes to a close, I find myself faced with a significant decision: Should I inform my manager that I won’t be returning to school as I had initially planned?

Let me provide some context. I recently graduated from my undergraduate program and was fully committed to pursuing a master’s degree this fall. I not only received acceptance from my university of choice but had also enrolled in classes and incurred a substantial tuition fee. Everything seemed to be going according to plan.

Earlier this spring, I secured an internship, fully expecting to complete it before transitioning back to academic life. However, as I evaluated the current job market and available opportunities, I realized that deferring my graduate studies by a year might be the most practical decision. My university has graciously agreed to my request for a deferral, which alleviates some pressure.

In fact, I have a job offer lined up to start in September, and I’m hesitant to let it slip away, especially with the uncertainty of unemployment looming large on the horizon. Yet, amidst this turmoil, I’ve continued to communicate to colleagues and friends that I would still embark on my master’s program this fall. It’s become increasingly uncomfortable to maintain this narrative.

The only scenario where I would consider pursuing the master’s degree this year would rely heavily on receiving a return offer from my current internship, specifically on an alternative team that intrigues me. However, I know that this possibility is slim, as the team has not hired anyone in the past two years, indicating a very selective hiring process.

Now, I am torn. Should I openly discuss my decision to defer graduate school with my manager? Additionally, would it be appropriate to express my interest in receiving a return offer for the other team? Navigating these conversations can be tricky, but transparency could also pave the way for future opportunities.

Ultimately, my choice will not only impact my immediate situation but potentially shape my career trajectory moving forward. What are your thoughts? Should I take the plunge and share my plans with my manager, or is it better to keep my cards close to my chest as I evaluate the next steps in my career journey?