How bad is it to take back SA offer?

Basically have an SA offer from a EB. Just found out I got an offer from a MF PE firm. PE was always the end goal for me so it doesnt make sense to go to IB, and would much rather give my spot to someone on the waitlist. How should I approach HR at the EB? Will this tarnish my reputation in the industry? Should I even do this?

13 Comments
 

Yeah… but I didn’t continue interviewing with anyone after I signed.

 

it would be still reneging - there are plenty of discussions about this and there is never a clear solution :/

 

If you plan to renege, do it asap. Since it's an EB and the recruiting cycle isn't closed yet, they should be able to move on to the next candidate easily. But if you had networked heavily at the EB, you may leave some people displeased. Don't count on them helping you if Powell sends the economy into a recession.

 

I cannot guide you on the question you have about reputation in the industry. I do not have sufficient knowledge about your EB, etc. If you decide to renege, keep it brief, apologize, and be otherwise polite. Do not get into an extended conversation, nor reveal where you are headed. Call your senior most contact and HR, in that order. Round it off with emails.

Before you decide though, you should read the WSO threads on going direct into PE versus following the IB to PE track. 

 

SAs are designed to recruit talent for the following incoming class.  Just call and tell them you received an offer that is better aligned towards your post graduation goals and that the probability of accepting a full time offer from the SA program is very low and in light of these recent developments you feel that the program would be better served by someone who may take a FT position after the SA program concludes.  You are doing them a favor.

 
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