Navigating Career Decisions: To Share or Not to Share with Your Manager
As I wrap up my internship, I find myself standing at a crossroads that many recent graduates face. Should I be honest with my manager about my decision to postpone my return to school?
After graduating, I confidently planned to pursue my master’s degree this fall. I was admitted to my preferred university and had even secured a hefty financial commitment in the form of tuition. Everything seemed set for my academic journey.
Early this year, I landed a spring internship with a clear expectation: I would transition back to graduate studies upon completion. This internship not only provided invaluable experience but also fulfilled a common prerequisite for students in my field. However, as the job market evolved, my plans began to shift.
Recognizing the challenges in today’s employment landscape, I made the difficult decision to defer my grad school admission for at least a year. Thankfully, my university is accommodating this change. Instead, I received a job offer elsewhere starting in September, a prospect I am hesitant to decline given the uncertainties of the job market. Yet, I find myself in an uncomfortable position—I’ve been conveying to others that I would begin my master’s program this year, which has created a sense of internal conflict and dishonesty.
The only circumstance under which I might reconsider starting my degree this fall would hinge on whether I receive a return offer from my current internship, specifically in a different team that intrigues me. However, given that this particular team hasn’t onboarded new members in two years, the chances seem slim.
Now I face a crucial decision: Should I level with my manager about my plans to delay grad school? Furthermore, should I inquire about the possibility of receiving a return offer on the team I am interested in?
These questions weigh heavily as I navigate my transition from student life to the professional world. Your thoughts or experiences regarding similar dilemmas would be immensely valuable as I seek clarity in this pivotal moment of my career journey.
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