What To Do When a Better Offer Comes Along

It happens to the best of us. When casually strolling through the World Wide Web, an email notification flashes on your screen, delivering your first internship offer for the semester. Wohoo! While you may have applied for seven positions, it becomes unbearably enticing to accept the first offer that comes your way. Maybe it’s impatience that leads you to accept the offer or maybe the offer is coming from your second choice, either way, once you’ve accepted the offer you’re committed. But what if a better offer or an offer from your number one company comes flying through the gmail world just days later? Do you have to pass it up? You’ve already committed yourself, right?

While you have made a commitment to a company out of excitement, you’re not married to the position. There may be a way out, but it has to be handled professionally. What you shouldn’t do is call or email the company you’ve already accepted an offer from and simply drop a bomb on them. Flat out quitting before you’ve even started is very unprofessional.

What you should do is call the company you already accepted an offer from and be truthful with them. Let them know the situation and see if they will allow you an out from the offer. If they say no, reassure them that you can and will fully commit to the position. But don’t say goodbye to the other offer forever. Contact them and see if you can be considered for another semester. Getting the best of both worlds is possible.