conditional offer issues

I recently got an offer from an MM PE firm starting right as I finish my masters and my offer is conditional on me getting a pass without resits. The structure of my degree though is that to pass you need to get over a certain mark in every module, and while in 9/10 of my modules I have a distinction or merit mark I really messed up one module and so I am below a pass so technically fail this boundary and will have to resit. However, there are still some parts of the course left and my official grade is only received after my start date at the firm, i.e. they will only know after starting. Any advice on what to do?

6 Comments
 
Most Helpful

Unless you have backup offers or options, there's no benefit to telling your employer now. So strategically, don't. 

They might check your results post-joining, but you have plausible deniability of being aware, and maybe there's something you can work out with them at the time they do check. If you tell them now, you're just creating a risk that they'll rescind an offer sooner rather than later.

The only things you can and maybe should do is (A) have a conversation with your university, explaining your circumstances and whether there's any exemption to its rule, and (B) apply for some backup options.

 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here’s what you need to know in your situation:

  1. Communicate Transparently: Reach out to your HR contact or the hiring manager at the MM PE firm as soon as possible. Explain your situation clearly and honestly. It’s better they hear it from you directly rather than discovering it later, which could potentially jeopardize your position and their trust in you.

  2. Seek Advice from Your Academic Advisor: Immediately contact your academic advisor or the relevant department at your university to discuss your options regarding the failed module. There might be a possibility for extra credit or a form of remedial work that could help you avoid a resit.

  3. Negotiate Start Date: If a resit is inevitable, you might need to negotiate your start date with the firm. Explain that securing your degree is crucial not only for meeting the conditions of your offer but also for ensuring you are fully prepared and qualified for the role.

  4. Prepare for All Outcomes: Prepare yourself for all possible outcomes, including the worst-case scenario where you might lose the offer. Start looking into other job opportunities as a backup plan. It’s essential to have options in case things don’t go as planned.

  5. Leverage Your Strengths: When discussing with the firm, highlight your strong performance in other modules and any relevant work experience or skills that make you a valuable asset to the team. This can sometimes help mitigate the impact of academic issues.

Taking proactive steps and maintaining open lines of communication with both your university and your prospective employer will be key in navigating this challenging situation.

Sources: I was fired today, don't know what to do...., Advice From an Advisor to Senior Wall Streeters, Advice From an Advisor to Senior Wall Streeters, The Work Always Gets Done, F*d up my career badly and depressed - need advice

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

Nam consequatur et quisquam ducimus quis ut deleniti. Sunt sed sed blanditiis impedit in voluptate asperiores.

Voluptatem officiis et et aperiam blanditiis et pariatur at. Est blanditiis recusandae corporis qui itaque rerum ut. Animi ut atque sit amet quibusdam sed.

Sequi pariatur perferendis ut. Omnis nostrum aut earum minus. Est sed ut ut voluptas qui illum excepturi. Ipsa qui quasi qui enim voluptatem officia facere fugit. Omnis quibusdam maiores unde porro a.

Asperiores rerum natus omnis. Reiciendis sed et optio asperiores rerum necessitatibus veniam. Dolor voluptatem tempore vel repellat culpa.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.2%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.2%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.6%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.2%
  • JPMorgan No 97.7%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (43) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (77) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (71) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
10
Linda Abraham's picture
Linda Abraham
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”