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July 10, 2008
The Job and the Offer
I really should have been writing all summer, but things have been so busy ever since I hit the ground over at UM's Business Engagement Center, that I have barely had time to breathe.
But, things have slowed down a little (I'm waiting on some go-aheads before I can actually go ahead), so I figured I should jump on the Peer Blog.
The job has been great. I have been able to have a real impact and take ownership over some major projects that are impacting the University's new Business Engagement Center. A cool thing that I am working on right now is finding a solution to our client management problem, because our officers need a tool that allows them to keep track of relationships and interactions with or corporate clients.
What kind of things are you doing in your internship? anything really cool? unexpected?
Also, last week I received a job offer to stay on in the fall, so that has led to a whole bunch of dilemmas. It is quite a nice problem to have, but has forced me to really weigh the experience that is available at the BEC and the Career Center.
And for those of you who are in the same boat, or maybe thinking about staying on and skipping the fall semester, the Career Center is a great place to get some advice. However, in case you aren't quite close to the SAB, the best advice I can give you is to keep these things in mind:
1) Opportunity for Growth: What kind of promotional possibilities are there? Is the business gonna be around for as long as you want to be there? Is it a job that can sustain you after you graduate?
2) Impact: What is your role? Are you going to be a glorified coffee-maker, or are you going to have a real impact on the operation? Are you going to be at the table for the big-decisions, or just the lowest rung on the ladder?
3) Enjoyable: Is it a position that you enjoy and you really want to dedicate your time to? Maybe (as in my case) you enjoy them both, which keeps it complicated.
4) The cost of rejecting/accepting the offer: Is this a "once-in-a-lifetime" opportunity, or might it be a door that is open at anytime? Maybe this offer is great, but not quite right for you right now - is it possible that the relationship will still be there later, and you can come back to the table in the future?
5) (of course) Money: which pays more? Is the salary worth the cost of lost opportunities? Does it make up for not liking your job quite as much?
Weighing all of these different metrics is tough, but these are all things to keep in mind (which I will be) when you are deciding whether to stay on or keep looking.
Wish me luck!
-Nick
Posted by glauchni at July 10, 2008 08:41 AM