Should I try and find a better internship?

I have an SA offer in investment banking from an international bank (think HSBC, BNP) in Singapore (I'm from there, but I'd rather be in NY), which I have to accept within the next 7 business days.

The US application deadline for UBS investment banking and Morgan Stanley equity research is March 1. These two are internships I'd rather do than the one I have an offer for.

Seeing as my track record with BBs isn't great (of 4 that came to campus I only got 1 interview, didn't get invited to superday; no success from online apps to the other 4) is it worth going for it (i.e. also declining the current offer? Or am I stupid to even try?

I haven't networked with people for either - could I get into contact with somebody before March 1 and impress them enough for them to be willing to pass on my resume? Also, do you think I'd be able to extend the deadline for my exploding offer/speed up the process for these other positions?

6 Comments
 

I know some people may frown on this...but I would say take it, and should something better become available, then renege on your offer. It's hard to do it in a way that doesn't burn the bridge, but that's a risk you have to decide if you want to take.

At the end of the day, it's your life and your career, and you need to take advantage of the best opportunity that comes your way. If that comes at the expense of burning a (relatively unimportant, seeing as how you're not totally sold on the job) bridge, then so bet it. Whatever you do, I wouldn't simply decline the offer b/c that's a huge risk that I wouldn't personally take.

 

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