I had accepted an internship 2 weeks ago based on the fact they gave me a deadline that they had to know by or they would offer it to someone else. I have not filled out any paper work yet though or anything like that. This was suppose to happen after I got done with exams. I really did not want to work for this company. I worked for them last semester and hated it. I am in Construction Engineering and Management. I was a laborer the entire summer just pushing a shovel and saw no engineering work whatsoever. The only reason I accepted this offer was because they were the only company that had given me an offer at all.

Today I got a job offer from another company that I really wanted to work for. Everything about this job is better. I plan on accepting this companies offer but have no idea how to inform the other company of without burning any bridges. I know honesty is the best policy but the one I want to turn down is a huge national company with a huge market share in their specialty, heavy highway construction, here on the east coast. Burning a bridge with this company could be detrimental to finding work in the future if things don't pan out with the company I want to work for right now.

I have pretty much decided that no matter what I am accepting the offer from the new company but am just trying to find a way to let down the other one while doing as little damage to my reputation as possible. Any help or advice you have to offer would be greatly appreciated.

Not sure if this matters but I graduate in December.

4/24/2008 11:11:19 AM

Tell a white lie. Like you are going to take 3 classes in the summer to finish your degree early.

BTW, you already interned and hated it. They made you an offer even though you didn't want the job. Why on Earth would you consider working for them in the future?

I understand what you mean about not burning bridges, but it's not a management position or even a paid one. These people aren't likely to remember you in the future.

[Edited on April 24, 2008 at 11:20 AM. Reason : a]

4/24/2008 11:18:55 AM

Just tell them you got a better offer, so you will have to decline theirs, but you appreciate them offering you the position and that you would still consider working for them in the future.

It's not that complicated and they will understand. You won't burn any bridges.

4/24/2008 11:25:00 AM

^^not sure why you would think it was unpaid. All engineering Interships that I have ever come accross were paid. Also in construction you can be the general contractor on one site and then just a lowely sub on another. If for some reason both comapny's where on the same job site co operation might be a little more strained... some people are really childish on the jobsite

^ talked to an HR manager for the city of charlotte my dad knows. Thats basically what she said, also to emphasize that it is a different type of construction company and put some of it onto my parents as well

4/24/2008 3:11:43 PM

Quote :

"saw no engineering work whatsoever"

get used to it, if you're going into construction. there isn't much 'engineering' proper for us.

understand that you'll likely be getting paid the same as kids from ECU who did 1/10th the work we did to graduate and couldn't tell a moment connection from a piece of drywall, yet everyone thinks they have the same degree as you. it sucks, but once you're out here no one notices the E in CEM. qualifier: unless you're lucky enough to have a PE in your office. then you're in good, assuming you passed the FE.


to answer your question: they're professionals. be honest with them. recruiting & intern programs are important at any big company, and of course they'll be disappointed, but they should appreciate your candor. if they hold a grudge or get angry, they probably aren't people you would want to work with in the future anyway.

4/24/2008 3:19:39 PM

Quote :

"Tell a white lie. Like you are going to take 3 classes in the summer to finish your degree early. "

exactly what i was going to say

4/25/2008 1:54:42 AM