Is this a good sign?

I’m going to have a nervous breakdown soon. I’ve been interviewing with this firm for 5 months - clean energy infra PE team at a major investment company, based in London. So far I’ve had 5 interviews with 2 MDs, 2 associates and 1 VP, in addition to a modelling test. Mind you this is an off cycle internship, so idk why it’s so lengthy.

After getting ghosted repeatedly the HR person called me yesterday and said that I was picked. She acknowledged how incredibly frustrating they’ve been and said that they appreciate my patience. However, she said that they’re waiting for a final confirmation from the head office in the US to proceed with my offer. She said they’ve sent requests to expedite hiring for me but it’s not guaranteed, as budgeting at this time of year is challenging. She said they’ll most likely be able to get the offer in January. I kinda felt she was tiptoeing her way into telling me it may never happen, but she assured me that it’s very unlikely. They’re going to have a meeting before boxing day to see if they can get the offer now, though. But it remains much more likely to be extended into January.

Is this a good sign? I’m holding my breath because this is an amazing job AND they said they’d sponsor me. But I’m too scared to be hopeful. Is this a good sign bros?

5 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, this situation does seem to lean towards being a positive sign, but with some caveats. The fact that HR personally called you to acknowledge the delays, express appreciation for your patience, and confirm that you were picked is a strong indicator of genuine interest in bringing you on board. Additionally, the mention of sponsorship and efforts to expedite the process further reinforces their commitment.

However, the delay due to budgeting and the need for final confirmation from the US head office introduces an element of uncertainty. While HR's assurance that it's "very unlikely" the offer won't materialize is encouraging, it's wise to remain cautiously optimistic. The timing around year-end budgeting can indeed complicate things, as firms often face constraints or delays in approvals.

To manage this situation: 1. Stay in touch with HR and express continued enthusiasm for the role. 2. Use the time to explore backup options, just in case the offer doesn't come through. 3. Be prepared for a potential January timeline, but keep an eye on any updates from the pre-Boxing Day meeting.

It’s a good sign overall, but staying proactive and prepared for all outcomes is key. Good luck!

Sources: Full time Offer vs. Potential Hedge Fund Internship, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/who-exactly-determines-return-offers?customgpt=1, Resilience in the face of rejection, Q&A: Credit Research Associate interview, My Private Equity Recruiting Process

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

This is horrible planning. You’ve met the entire team apparently and they’re still waiting for confirmation from their head office? What’s the level of discretion these MDs have to bring an intern to their team? I’d say be cautiously optimistic but do expect disappointment. Keep in contact with them though 

 

which company is this? It’s weird to me that they’d need head office confirmation assuming that they’re independently able to get capital & make revenues themselves… so why can’t they proceed with hiring an intern on their own discretion? I think it’s overall positive but I’d be extremely cautious about it and keep looking. Christmas and New Year times are different so I’d expect even more ghosting now. Best of luck to u

 

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