Navigating Internships and Education: Should You Share Your Plans with Your Manager?
As I approach the conclusion of my internship, I find myself grappling with an important decision: Should I inform my manager that I’ve decided not to return to school?
Let me explain my situation…
I recently graduated with my bachelor’s degree and had every intention of pursuing a master’s degree this fall. I was thrilled to receive acceptance from my preferred university and even registered for classes, complete with a hefty tuition bill.
Earlier this year, I landed a spring internship that I had committed to with the assumption that I would be heading back to school. As many know, being a full-time student is often a prerequisite for participating in internships.
However, given the current job market’s uncertainties, I’ve made the decision to defer my graduate enrollment for at least a year. The university has been understanding of my situation, but I’m also considering accepting a job offer I received elsewhere that starts this September. I fear that declining this opportunity may leave me without employment altogether, which is not an ideal outcome.
Throughout this process, I’ve consistently presented to colleagues and peers my plans to start my master’s program this year, making it increasingly uncomfortable to maintain this narrative given my change in direction.
The only scenario that would lead me to reconsider attending graduate school this fall would involve receiving a return offer from my current internship, specifically on a different team that I have a keen interest in. Unfortunately, the likelihood of that happening seems slim, as the team hasn’t hired anyone in the past two years; it’s quite a lean operation.
Now, I find myself at a crossroads: Should I discuss my decision to defer graduate school with my manager? Furthermore, is it prudent to ask him about potential return offers on the team I wish to join?
It’s a difficult choice, balancing transparency with strategic career decisions, and I know many of you might have faced similar dilemmas. What would you do in my shoes?
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