Navigating Career Decisions: Should You Inform Your Manager About Deferring Grad School?
As I wrap up my internship, I’m confronted with a significant decision: should I reveal to my manager that I’ve decided to defer my plans for graduate school?
Allow me to provide some context. Recently, I graduated and had been gearing up to pursue a master’s degree this fall at my top-choice university, where I even accepted admission and registered for my classes, alongside a considerable tuition commitment.
Earlier this year, I secured an internship for the spring, operating under the assumption that my graduate studies were on the immediate horizon—something typically required for internships in academia. However, the current job market has prompted me to reconsider my plans. I’ve made the choice to postpone my enrollment by at least a year, as the prospect of jumping straight into the workforce is increasingly appealing. I’ve even received a job offer that starts this September, and I am hesitant to turn it down, fearing the possibility of unemployment.
Unfortunately, I’ve been telling colleagues and mentors about my intention to start my master’s program this year, and maintaining that facade has become increasingly stressful. The only factor that might urge me to commit to grad school is securing a return offer from my current internship, but I am aware that this is not a guaranteed outcome, especially since the team I’m interested in has not hired anyone in over two years due to its lean nature.
So here lies my conundrum: Should I be open with my manager about my decision to defer my graduate studies? Additionally, I wonder if it would be appropriate to inquire about potential opportunities to transfer to another team within the organization, particularly one where I believe I could thrive.
This situation is undoubtedly complex and requires careful consideration. Communication with my manager may prove beneficial, providing clarity on my career path moving forward. Each decision comes with its potential ramifications, and I’m eager to navigate this transition thoughtfully as I chart my course.
What would you do in my position? Would you communicate your plans to your manager, or keep your options close to your chest? Your insights could be invaluable as I make this decision.
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