Is Accepting Return Offers a Must for Interns in this Job Market?

I know many of us interns are about halfway or so through our internships.

Thus, I thought it would be a good time to discuss if a return offer is offered, in this market, should we definitely accept? Of course, if someone enjoys their internship and gets a good comp offer, that would be a no-brainer, regardless of market conditions. However, due to market conditions, should interns be accepting return offers to positions they are not crazy about to protect themselves?

I would love insight on this, and hopefully, others will gain something also.

EDIT FOR MODS: This is meant for Real Estate

5 Comments
 

Personally my strategy is going to be to keep my options wide as possible. If I get the return offer then great but I’m still going to be recruiting for other roles up until the last minute I can sign an offer. I would say though that don’t drop an offer in hand for another opportunity that isn’t 100% locked in. Ultimately a job that you settle for is better than you turning down an offer just for the other role to fall through and then you’re scrambling to make something happen.

 
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Most Helpful

It is sooo much easier to lateral than it is to get a great job right out of school.

I accepted a mediocre job right of school because I had no RE experience. RE lending job that paid $45k base. I lateraled to a top debt/equity broker after a year (pay was in line with IB) and then lateraled again to top REPE after 3 years in brokerage.

When the job market is good, it’s very easy to trade up to a better job. Go look at any of the associates / VPs at top REPE shops and see how many of them joined in 2021 when the job market was on fire.

 

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