Hello I’m currently a sophomore in college studying computer science.
Ever since fall quarter started, I’ve been going to job fairs and trying to look for an internship next summer. I got really excited to get a chance to apply for all the “big” tech companies like Microsoft, Google, etc. However, besides a few initial interviews, I have yet to hear back from them. My dad though, who works for another company (let’s call it A), spoke with a couple friends of his and they offered me an interview and then another and then just yesterday, they called me saying they would like to give an internship offer to me.
So on one hand, I’m happy that they gave me an internship and I really appreciate my dad helping me in this. But on the other, I don’t really know what to think because I kinda wanted to go about it on my own, trying to see if a company would hire me based on what they thought of me and my skills and personality without any outside influence (I know that this is a common occurrence but call it an independence thing. I personally just want to see if I can get hired on my own because it would be an indicator of where I’m at right now).
And a last thing to consider is all the other applications I still have out there. Company A is giving me around 2 weeks to respond to their offer. I sent out some followup emails to the other companies but this early in the year, would that do much good other than to maybe just speed up their rejection of me?
One thing to consider is that many of the “big” tech companies prefer juniors - and they can get them. If you like the job at company A I wouldn’t not take it just because you got it through contacts - this is how a lot of people get jobs. Next time around, you can do it on your own. But having the internship experience from A on your resume will be a big help. This, of course, is assuming that your only concern about A is how you got it and that it isn’t a “big” name. Judge it on the position and company, not the contacts.
You also can try and find out from the other companies what their time frame is.
Thanks! Ya that’s what I was thinking too. And no it’s not really about the name. I know that a lot of people get jobs through contacts and that there’s nothing wrong with that whatsoever. Again, it’s more of a personal thing for me to try and see how I can do on my own. It may seem naive or foolish to some but I guess it’s just the way I am. After all, what are we if we don’t try and live by our own code. This code may change as I get older but right now it hasn’t. But thanks though for helping me :).
Sometimes companies will respond to an indication that you have another offer. That said, I would accept this internship if the only negatives are the size of its name and that you benefitted from connections.
There will be plenty of time for you to make progress through your own efforts; there’s no shame in using connections for a few internships and your first job. I’m didn’t have that benefit; I am pleased to be able to crack the door open slightly for my son.
Let’s not kid ourselves. Internships are very competitive, especially the big company name ones, and just like many things in life, it is not what you know but who you know. Take the internship with your dad’s company so that next year you have something to put down when you search for Jr internships. As others have said, companies prefer Jrs. so next you will be one with one internship under your wing.
I think you dad simply wants you to try it in their company but it doesn’t necessarily mean that you ought to take the internship there. I’m sure he’d be proud if you could find your own company to take an internship in much more if that is a well-known company.
You can still check on those other applications; you MAY get a better situation. Follow-up emails won’t do harm. If you think you would prefer a specific other company, I suggest that tell them you have a current offer, so that it is urgent they tell you if they’re interested. You have “around 2 weeks.” You can decide from the best of your offers. You will get more feedback on your current level of appeal, even if you don’t go with one of these other companies. If you get no offer other than the one you currently have, then of course go with that.
Your Dad’s connection got you the first interview- NOT the second and not the offer. It is admirable to want to earn your own stripes, silly to think that you have something to prove about your personality. If you don’t have a better bird in the hand- and you would like the opportunity if your Dad hadn’t been involved, it’s hubris, not pride, at work if you turn it down.
You’re pretty lucky you had a shot at your dad’s company I think it’s best you give that a try. But of course you shouldn’t limit yourself on that company