Understand options & make the right decision
Employers may request quick offer decisions, potentially requesting a commitment before the upcoming recruiting season. As a UMass Amherst student, you have both a responsibility to understand your options and also the support to make the right decision.
THE EMPLOYER PERSPECTIVE
They really want you to work for them!
- Invested significant time and resources to hire you, and even more in your professional development if you were an intern
- Seen your work potential and believe you are a good cultural fit
- Don't want to lose great talent to competitors
- Want to know if you honestly want to continue working there
- If not, want to prepare to hire more great (UMass) students like you
THE STUDENT PERSPECTIVE
The offer is exciting but there is also that curiosity about other employers.
- Might think that you can get a better offer with a higher salary, better location, or different industry
- You have reservations about parts of your role
- You don't want to miss out on fun recruiting events
OPTIONS
Accept. If you had a great interview and/or internship experience, you might want to accept the offer. Data suggests that returning interns are more successful in their first few years compared to non-intern hires. You already have a strong network that sees your potential, so you can show appreciation and build goodwill by letting them know you're ready to return. Remember - careers change frequently. It's a big decision but you can always pivot to a different industry, location, or company.
Negotiate. Not sure that your offer is the right fit? This provision on when you need to decide is negotiable. If you are a returning intern, you have some leverage since you now know they want you to work there, but you also want to be cautious so that you maintain a good relationship. Request a face-to-face meeting with the hiring manager (or phone call if necessary) and let them know how much more time you need and why. The UMass guideline is that employers should allow students to wait until Oct 31st to respond to a summer internship offer (for all other offers, students should be granted at least 2 weeks from the receipt of the written offer to accept/decline).
Move On. If you did not like your internship enough to want to work there after graduation, or if the offer does not match your needs, respectfully decline but maintain your relationships. Other employers will see your value and potential. Uncertainty is never fun but be confident that you will find the right opportunity for you (CICS Careers is happy to help).
RECOMMENDATIONS
Do not "renege" on an offer. It's bad for your professional reputation. You might think the salary increase is worth it, but demonstrating integrity will pay dividends for years to come. Reneges are also problematic for your peers. Employers may think twice about recruiting UMass Amherst students in the future. Reneging may lead to exclusion from CICS Careers services and programs.
- Focus your efforts on building professional skills and working on interesting projects and research, instead of attending recruiting events.
- Help your friends find jobs. They will appreciate it and you will build your professional network.
- Keep networking. Just because you have an offer does not mean that you cannot be learning from alumni in the field.
