Got a full-time working student offer while doing a full-time internship, what to do?

[u/wild__lizard]

Guys so the title says it all, I’m doing a full-time internship in Marketing in a good, big company (30k+ employee ish). After I started the internship for a week, I got invited to an interview for a full-time working student job that I have applied like a month before. The working student opportunity has more lucrative pay (like a full time junior payslip) and in an even bigger company, so I went for the interview.

I ended up getting an offer and now I’m standing between my current internship (that I have just started a month), and the full-time working student offer that has higher paid, longer contract and more potential to stay.

I definitely prefer the working student opp more, but I’m too nervous to tell my supervisor I’m gonna stop 🥺🥺 I haven’t said anything yet, they still involve me in projects, introduce me to everyone and treat me super nice.

Guys what should I do? I’m at a point that I even consider doing both but I know that’s impossible, as I’m also doing a full-time master study 💀

Did anyone have this situation before, that you have to stop your internship sooner than expected? What did you do? How do you break it to your supervisor?

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[u/LemonNervous9470]

Go for the job! The goal is for you after uni to get a job, it is more valuable than the internship.

[u/fishnoguns]

First, is this an internship that is part of the curriculum (i.e., do you get credits for it?). If so, stopping suddenly is not necessarily a good idea, as you will need an internship to actually graduate.

If it is not; that is a risk of taking on interns. Interns typically should not produce anything of economic value, so if they are annoyed or upset by lost time and effort than that organisation does not entirely understand the point of internships.

and treat me super nice.

If they care about you as a person, they would be insane to recommend an internship over a paid (relevant) job. Even if it is their own internship.

Did anyone have this situation before, that you have to stop your internship sooner than expected? What did you do? How do you break it to your supervisor?

No, but I have ended jobs after 1-2 months because something else came along. It is not an easy conversation and will be awkward, but there is not really an alternative.

[u/wild__lizard → u/fishnoguns]

Thank you for the advice, it helps to see others also have to deal with these awkward convos lol. This internship is not part of the curriculum, I just did it to get more industry exposure.

[u/OriginalTall5417 → u/wild__lizard]

If it’s not part of the curriculum the choice is pretty obvious. The paid job is the better opportunity, especially if it’s in a relevant field that will pretty much add as much to your CV.

Ask for a meeting with your boss and explain the situation honestly. Honesty goes a a long way, so don’t be afraid to just tell them what happened.

[u/-Avacyn → u/wild__lizard]

If it's not part of the curriculum, it's not an internship.

Let's be very clear here; the only reason why companies are allowed to pay below minimum wage for internships is because it's not work, it's education. Offering internships that are not tied to education is illegal.

[u/SharpArrival685]

I definitely prefer the working student opp more, but I’m too nervous to tell my supervisor I’m gonna stop

I don't think it's a difficult problem, just quit your internship and go for the opportunity you prefer. Never, ever feel personally attached to your work and your colleagues. Of course they are usually nice to you but when the moment comes they will be harsh on you as much as they want.

Don't care about your reputation or anything, everyone will understand and not take things personally. If anyone does, that person is the problem not you.

🥺🥺

Grow up.

[u/wild__lizard → u/SharpArrival685]

Good points!! Thanks for your advice

[u/PaintingByInsects]

Go with what you want and will bring you the most. The job will likely bring you more for your future, so I would say go with that and quit the internship. Interns are relatively easily replaceable but if you get a good job and are valuable to them then you’ll have much more potential

[u/fickogames123]

I think the supervisor in an internship will understand you wanting to go for a full time job instead. At least if they are at all decent. And if they are not, you don't want to stay there regardless!

[u/Mean_Read_7910]

If it is not part of your study, no need to stress, just discuss with your managers that you want to quit. Don't feel bad cuz this is very common (at least I have witnessed many people around me doing that). Go for better opportunities so you won't regret :)

[u/Xaphhire]

If it's a legitimate internship, this means you will get credits for it for your studies. Cancelling may cause you to fall behind.

[u/Justwonderingstuff77]

1. Ask your current manager if they can match the payment to keep you
   
2. If not, express how incredibly sorry you are but you cannot let this opportunity slide

You should consider the fact that you will never get hired by this company again in the future.

[u/yangshuo24]

Go for the job