Deferring Internships

I have managed to get myself an internship (last minute) this summer at a large hedge fund/futures trader.

It started with me making an innocent enquiry about a month ago into the availability of internships and how one goes about applying. 3 weeks later they asked for my acedemics and offered me a place this summer.

My original intention was to try get one for next year or at least apply - granted I was keen!

The problem I now have is that I cannot really do the placement this summer. I have other work and holiday commitments to attend to. My question is this, do you think there is any possibility that they could defer the internship untill next year? I obviously don't want to reject it - plus I don't want the HR guy to get arsey with me seen as though I did ask for it. Am I in a lose lose situation?

Reply 1

Drogue

19

Nope, it's almost always a one-offer thing. If you want it next year, you'll have to ask again. Most companies without internship programmes only take on interns when they have a business need for one, so likely you caught them at the right time.

Reply 2

abshirf2

1

zrancis

My question is this, do you think there is any possibility that they could defer the internship untill next year? I obviously don't want to reject it - plus I don't want the HR guy to get arsey with me seen as though I did ask for it. Am I in a lose lose situation?

Just ask them, if you can defer, if they say no then choose if you want to do it or not. They won't reject you if you ask the question! :wink:

Reply 3

zrancis

OP

2

abshirf2

Just ask them, if you can defer, if they say no then choose if you want to do it or not. They won't reject you if you ask the question! :wink:

Very true. I'll give them a call tomorrow I think. Like I say, I'm just concerned I might sever ties or at least damage them should I reject this year after requesting an internship. I will have to find a way to politely reject - I'm a tad annoyed that they went ahead and took a simple inquiry into an application. There's always next year to apply I suppose!

Reply 4

zrancis

OP

2

Drogue

Nope, it's almost always a one-offer thing. If you want it next year, you'll have to ask again. Most companies without internship programmes only take on interns when they have a business need for one, so likely you caught them at the right time.

I did think it was probably a stroke of good fortune. One that I am gutted to be turning down! They did seem to like me when I went for a visit - it does feel like I'll be missing the boat should I wait untill next year but it's tough I suppose. These things come and go (albeit not very often).

Deferring Internships

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