Navigating Career Decisions After an Internship: Should You Share Your Plans with Your Manager?

As my internship draws to a close, I find myself grappling with an important decision: Should I inform my manager that I’ve chosen not to return to school just yet?

Allow me to share my story. Recently, I graduated and was anticipating starting my master’s program this fall. I secured my spot at my preferred university, registered for classes, and even faced a substantial tuition bill. Everything seemed set in stone.

Earlier this spring, I began an internship with the expectation that I would continue my academic journey as planned. This was a standard requirement for many internship positions. However, as I navigated the complexities of the current job market, my plans began to shift.

After careful consideration, I’ve decided to defer my graduate studies for at least a year. The university has graciously allowed this change, and I have even received a job offer to begin in September. Given the uncertainties around employment, the thought of turning down this opportunity feels risky.

In conversations with peers and supervisors, I unintentionally led them to believe that I would be pursuing my master’s this year. To be candid, maintaining this facade has been challenging, and the weight of the lie is starting to wear on me.

The only scenario in which I would consider continuing with my master’s program immediately would be a return offer at my internship, particularly on a different team that I’m keen to join. Unfortunately, the likelihood of this happening seems slim—this team hasn’t taken on new hires in the last two years, making it a tight-knit group.

Now, I find myself at a crossroads. Should I bring my decision to defer school to my manager’s attention? Furthermore, would it be appropriate to inquire about potential return opportunities on that team I’m interested in? These questions weigh heavily on my mind.

Ultimately, I recognize the importance of transparency in professional relationships, especially as I navigate this pivotal point in my career. It’s essential to communicate honestly with my manager about my future plans while considering the potential impacts on my current internship experience.

As I ponder my next steps, I encourage others in similar situations to reflect on their career goals and the paths they wish to pursue. How have you navigated decisions about further education and career opportunities? Your insights could be invaluable!