<p>D1 has applied for several internships and has been interviewed and waiting to hear. Today she was offered an unpaid internship close to home. They want an answer asap. She has interviewed with another OOS organization and the interview went very well and they said she would hear back in a week or so, again unpaid. Earlier in the week she was contacted for a third, very prestigious National organization internship saying she had made the first cut and would be interviewed soon. This is a full time, paid position with housing and travel subsidy. What to do??? She wants the second or third position. Business profs told her to contact second org and tell them she has an offer and could they tell her her status. If they offer she wants to take it. What if......things work out for third position???? Can you back out and take it???? Ish... Talked with some HR directors and they said it happens all the time for interns to turn down unpaid spots for paid positions. Really???</p>
<p>There was a similar thread this week that was posted by a law school grad who, after accepting a low paying offer, subsequently received an attractive offer from a more desirable firm. S/he wondered if it would be unethical to back out. Response from a dozen parents was “Absolutely. It happens all the time.”</p>
<p>I think your D needs to take a deep breath, suck it up, and tell the first people, “I’m strongly considering your offer but there is a paid position that I’m under consideration for. If you can wait two weeks, great, otherwise if you need an answer now, I have to say ‘No.’”</p>
<p>In the long run it pays to be upfront and to take the consequences.</p>
<p>She was offered and accepted the internship with professional sports team. :)</p>
<p>How nice! Hope it’s a great experience.</p>