If you have received an internship or job offer, congratulations!!
Please remember that it is critical to operate in good faith as a job/internship seeker. Once you receive an offer, there are still steps to take to ensure you represent yourself as a professional.
When you accept an offer for an internship, co-op, or job (whether verbally or in writing) – this is a commitment.
See job offer resources here: https://leslierp.wordpress.ncsu.edu/accepting/
- A healthy job market depends on both parties operating in good faith, keeping their word. You expect the employer to stop interviewing other students and the employer expects you to stop interviewing with other companies. Companies are holding a slot for YOU, and are disadvantaged when you do not keep your commitment. Also, you likely have peers who are still intern/job seeking who would appreciate the chance to be considered. If you accept two offers, you are taking opportunities away from them.
- In a more volatile job market, if you feel uncertain about a company’s ability to maintain their commitment to you due to an economic downturn, I would encourage you to delay accepting an offer and/or continuing to network with additional companies and NCSU alumni. Feel free to reach out to our team BEFORE accepting an offer to get help with HOW to ask for more time.
- Remember that it is not okay for you to change your mind because a “better opportunity” has become available. This is unethical. You compromise not only your own personal and professional standards but also those of NC State. Your actions can have far reaching consequences; employers have terminated relationships with universities as a result.
- Employment “at-will” does not mean that the employer has no expectation for you to fulfill your commitment to work for them. This is a legal term that does not reflect the ethics involved in the job search.
Solutions:
- Do not accept a position until you are ready. If you need more time, let the employer know. There are resources available to help you come up with the wording for how to do this, including personal meetings with career advisors.
- Meet with your career advisor in advance to discuss difficult decisions. Feel free to reach out to our CSC Career Services team anytime! csc-careers @ncsu.edu
- Once you accept a role, STOP interviewing. Continuing with interviews will only tempt you to act unethically, and it takes away an opportunity from someone who still needs a job. If other offers come in from previous interviews, alert them to your commitment, and ask about future opportunities. Companies will respect your integrity.
If you are still job or internship searching, please note that there is still plenty of time to find an opportunity. Please take advantage of the resources of the CSC Corporate & Career Services for assistance.
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