Is this unethical?

Facing a dilemma here, after trying absolutely everything throughout the summer, I managed to secure an off cycle internship with a MM this fall... I've been keeping in touch with the VP throughout and it seems that their firm needs some help and I was in luck so he's bringing me in after consulting with sr management and going through the interviews. When interviewing with Sr management, they asked what are my intentions after this internship, and I said obviously get a FT offer from them and continue with the firm.

Sr management said they're glad to hear but unfortunately, since I start in Sep and their FT recruiting process starts mid Sep, there's no way in determining whether I'll be good enough to be brought on FT (because I'm an intern).. so I'll have to go through the FT recruiting process for their firm if I have intentions of working there.

Now, obviously I'm still going to apply regardless, but I want to hedge myself and apply to other MMs and BBs out there as well since I finally scored a IB internship under my belt. I'll have finished my degree by April 2012 with IB exp under my belt. The question is... how should I go about FT Recruiting season in this coming Sep when I have already started interning at this bank? There are probably going to be first, second round interviews with the other firms and I don't think it will be a good sign if I disappear continuously just when I've started interning there for less than 2 - 3 weeks. Also, I don't want to seem like I'm not loyal to the firm by interviewing with others (especially with the VP going to bat for me to get me in his firm as an intern)

So how do I best approach this situation? Should I consult with the VP and let him know that since they're unable to let me know whether I can join them for FT next year, I'll need to hedge myself with other banks - do you think he'll understand?

Honestly, I don't know if I want to risk him not being understandable, and just cutting off my internship altogether. Advices and opinions from you all will really help. thanks

 
Best Response

I don't think it's unethical to go and interview elsewhere - because the firm said you have to go through their regular FT process. It's not like they made you an offer, you accepted and then you reneg.

As long as you are doing your job and don't disappear too much (to the point where people are questioning your work ethic), then I think it's fine. On how you go about making sure you don't leave too often... when you have interviews with banks, make sure they know your situation if they call you in for other interviews... and so that you can try and plan them all for one or two days or on a Sat if possible.

I'm not sure if you want to let the VP know... that really depends on the kind of person he is. They may 'understand' but not support you regardless. Unless he was like an alum who you had open and honest convos about where you want to be and all, I would keep it on the DL

 

People do it, I am not sure how because it is pretty difficult, in my opinion. Maybe attempt to have a career talk with someone seniorish or HR and understand your chances in getting in. If you really like this firm then if you put a lot of effort you will get it. I think if you disappear a lot and even though it's obvious why, they will still be assholes and not give you an offer. Wall street is like that.

Do what you want not what you can!
 

Tempora deleniti qui atque nulla enim error sint distinctio. Eveniet tempore totam inventore.

Do what you want not what you can!

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