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help - offered dream internship after taking another job

Posted: Sat Feb 19, 2011 1:34 pm
by evilgenius
So yesterday I was offered my dream summer internship. Unfortunately, I already accepted something else. I don't want to destroy my chances at interning at the dream organization in the future. What should I do? Are my chances shot? Should I ask them about opportunities for the fall?

Re: help - offered dream internship after taking another job

Posted: Sat Feb 19, 2011 1:44 pm
by evilgenius
Added a poll in case folks dont have time to respond. Also wanted to bump :-)

Re: help - offered dream internship after taking another job

Posted: Sat Feb 19, 2011 1:46 pm
by rose711
Don't quit a job before you even start. It can come back to haunt you.

Re: help - offered dream internship after taking another job

Posted: Sat Feb 19, 2011 1:48 pm
by Aberzombie1892
evilgenius wrote:So yesterday I was offered my dream summer internship. Unfortunately, I already accepted something else. I don't want to destroy my chances at interning at the dream organization in the future. What should I do? Are my chances shot? Should I ask them about opportunities for the fall?
Does your school have any rules about turning down an accepted position?

It sounds like your dream job is with a corporation/non-profit and your summer job is with a law firm. Can you summer split?

Re: help - offered dream internship after taking another job

Posted: Sat Feb 19, 2011 2:09 pm
by Sup Kid
I choose the "beg for fall position" but I wanted to clarify that this is not a "begging" situation. This happens pretty frequently (for example, to 2 friends in the past month) and both explained the situation and got the fall position. From the organization's point of view, they're happy to do it, since they already know they like you and this allows them to not have to interview for a fall intern over the summer.

Re: help - offered dream internship after taking another job

Posted: Sat Feb 19, 2011 4:42 pm
by quadsixm
Rescinding = Poor form.

Re: help - offered dream internship after taking another job

Posted: Sat Feb 19, 2011 4:48 pm
by OGR3
Ask if you can split the summer or work at one during the fall.

If they won't let you, go with the internship that you've already accepted.

Re: help - offered dream internship after taking another job

Posted: Sat Feb 19, 2011 5:05 pm
by xyzbca
hmmm... not really living up to the "evilgenius" moniker....

All joking aside, I agree with trying to get the fall position.

Re: help - offered dream internship after taking another job

Posted: Mon Feb 21, 2011 12:39 am
by RonSantoRules
Rescind. It is at will employment. You are not legally bound to work there. They will get over it.

Re: help - offered dream internship after taking another job

Posted: Mon Feb 21, 2011 1:06 am
by A'nold
I think it is unfair for employers to get so bent out of shape about something like this when they would do it if they were in your situation. If it is REALLY a dream internship that has a good chance of leading to post-grad employment, I think you have to do what you have to do.

Re: help - offered dream internship after taking another job

Posted: Mon Feb 21, 2011 11:58 am
by quadsixm
A'nold wrote:I think it is unfair for employers to get so bent out of shape about something like this when they would do it if they were in your situation. If it is REALLY a dream internship that has a good chance of leading to post-grad employment, I think you have to do what you have to do.
There are a lot of things that are unfair. Hint: Employers are in the position of power these days.

Still think it's a terrible idea to rescind.