I am second-guessing my FT Offer.

I'll be graduating this year and received a full time offer from the firm I worked at this summer. The role is in corp banking. The firm is pretty great, nice group, etc. However, I just keep wishing I could've applied elsewhere. Somewhere better.

Of course, this is easier to think about now as I have a job, and one that I am certainly grateful for.

I ended up accepting this offer due to the fact that it was exploding before any real form of recruiting began and out of fear of not finding anything else (which was legitimate I suppose given that some of my classmates are still looking for jobs and I'm at a target school).

Every now and then I see opportunities that interest me more that I feel qualified for, but I just can't do anything about because I have accepted this offer. I've pondered reneging before as well, but then that is always perceived as a big No by everyone in the finance world.

How quickly are people able to switch jobs after first joining? How easy is it to lateral firms if you actively are on the lookout? More importantly, how do you do this without upsetting people at your current firm.

I am just trying to stop thinking about what I can't change and going to embrace my job opportunity now and come up with a stronger game plan for the future.

11 Comments
 
futureceo

Oh well, things happen for the best.

Wrong. Sayings like, "things happen for the best" are said by those who are too afraid to take control over the outcomes in their life. Don't be the guy who doesn't even swing the bat. Everything in life is changeable.

Keep interviewing and renege if you need to. If you don't get anything better, then make the most of this opportunity. Don't feel constrained or pigeon-holed before you even start at this company.

 
DickFuldSayings like, "things happen for the best" are said by those who are too afraid to take control over the outcomes in their life. Don't be the guy who doesn't even swing the bat.

This is very true. I used to think this way and then one day I realized I was thinking like some sort of idiot. I wish I could go back and tell my old self: hey guy - things don't just happen for the best...that's asinine.

DickFuldEverything in life is changeable.

This is technically false but still not a bad attitude to have.

 

I am just afraid to renege because this is a place I worked over the summer, already developed a relationship with many at the firm (many of the people worked at other major BBs in the past or most definitely know people at other firms I am looking at).

How bad would it be to go forth interviewing and potential renege (even though now opportunities are quite limited anyway -_-)? Do I even put these people as a reference? I wouldn't want them to know I am interviewing elsewhere...that certainly wouldn't look too good. This is part of the reason I fear going elsewhere.

 
Best Response
futureceo

I am just afraid to renege because this is a place I worked over the summer, already developed a relationship with many at the firm (many of the people worked at other major BBs in the past or most definitely know people at other firms I am looking at).

How bad would it be to go forth interviewing and potential renege (even though now opportunities are quite limited anyway -_-)? Do I even put these people as a reference? I wouldn't want them to know I am interviewing elsewhere...that certainly wouldn't look too good. This is part of the reason I fear going elsewhere.

You're afraid of hurting their feelings? Get over it. No, you obviously don't want them knowing you're interviewing elsewhere. The good news is that you're an entry level guy and nobody will even remember your name.

Your username is 'futureceo'. Do you think actual CEOs worry about little things like the 'feelings' of people they hope to not work with?

 

There have been several topics about this same situation.

Honestly, it's a pretty damn nice dilemma to be in. I think you should keep interviewing instead of feeling some type of loyalty to the firm you just signed the offer with.

Worst case: you strike out in interviews and still have the FT offer locked Best case: you get a better offer, renege the FT offer, and burn off a small bridge

 

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