Misleading my intern

This summer my group was given two interns, one of which is terrible while the other is dead-on what we are looking for. Unfortunately, I was just told by my upper brass that we never had any intention of giving either a full-time offer due to the economy. I feel really bad that this guy has been hustling to do everything he should in order to get a job offer, but it has all been in vain.

Anyone have a similar experience? Should I push for this kid to get a FT at my current firm or reach out to some buddies elsewhere to hook him up?

17 Comments
 

if i were that intern (which is my current situation), if i'm killing it and can't get a FT at the firm, i'd understand, but the help elsewhere would be greatly appreciated and seemingly well-deserved

Array
 

You're giving him the "it's not you, it's me" routine? I invented "it's not you, it's me." Nobody tells me it's them not me, if it's anybody it's me.

 
BlackHatYou're giving him the "it's not you, it's me" routine? I invented "it's not you, it's me." Nobody tells me it's them not me, if it's anybody it's me.
Alright, it's you. You're damn right it's me.
 
BlackHatYou're giving him the "it's not you, it's me" routine? I invented "it's not you, it's me." Nobody tells me it's them not me, if it's anybody it's me.

Wish my GF was like that.

"Every man should lose a battle in his youth, so he does not lose a war when he is old"
 

If he's a paid intern, then well shucks at least he's getting paid.

It's not the Harvard MBA, but what you *do* that defines you. But who are we kidding, it's all HBS.
 

Just be straight with him. He killed it but there are factors outside of either parties control that led to him not getting an offer. Offering help would be above and beyond but if you genuinely like him then go for it.

If I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses - Henry Ford
 

Hey I've been wondering all day:

What makes your "good" intern good, and what makes your "bad" intern bad in your opinion? Does the "bad" intern come in late frequently, or is his work sloppy? Maybe the intern doesn't fit into the culture, or understand your sense of humor? Thanks, it means a lot.

 
AQMWhat makes your "good" intern good, and what makes your "bad" intern bad in your opinion? Does the "bad" intern come in late frequently, or is his work sloppy? Maybe the intern doesn't fit into the culture, or understand your sense of humor? Thanks, it means a lot.

My "bad" intern dresses like a hipster clown at Starbucks, his work product sucks, and barely shows up. Totally checked out. We would have fired him the first week if he didn't have "connections."

My "good" intern is in the office before me, always leaves after me, asks me constantly for work, churns out very good work product, and brings insightful comments to management/client meetings where other interns would either i) say something stupid or ii) not say anything at all because they're too timid.

 

The same issue existed at my old firm. Honestly I'd try to help the more skilled one get a job in the immediate future and provide the other intern resources (books, mentors, articles, etc.) to help improve their skills/personality (if possible) and find a position in the future.

It honestly sucks for anyone in that position.

 

If the interns were sold on the idea that they could perhaps get an offer, you and your company are in breach of ethics. If you want to be a real SOB, tape your boss saying as much and send to SEC and the news. This is preferrable to and less messy than stabbing them in the parking lot in order to clear your road towards advancement.

Get busy living
 

Help him out like everyone else said but also please don't wait until the last day to tell him this--I've seen this happen before and it's just horrible. I know summer's over now but if he still has time left tell him as early as possibly so that he can start networking and trying to find something else.

 
kaidenHelp him out like everyone else said but also please don't wait until the last day to tell him this--I've seen this happen before and it's just horrible. I know summer's over now but if he still has time left tell him as early as possibly so that he can start networking and trying to find something else.
The problem with this in the company's perspective is that if the interns know they are not getting a return offer, this could potentially demotivate them and in result decrease productivity. This is why many firms do not disclose any information regarding employment decisions.
 

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