First internship interview coming up; wanting to keep other options open (electrical engineering)

Coll1TBD
Sat, 27 Dec 2014 22:18:51 +0000

Isaac2, Congratulations on being selected for onsite interview! You are not an ingrate for wanting to keep your options open. Yes, it is possible to extend the timeline for accepting/declining an offer. Yes, you will burn bridges if you accept a position and then withdraw later, especially if it’s on short notice. It is best if you negotiate an extension on your decision. Do not feel bad about a company paying your travel expenses for an onsite interview. You are giving up your time to meet with the interviewers. Yes, it is odd that the first interview is onsite without a lower cost screening interview. I think the company may be using your previous year’s interview to select you for the onsite visit.

At this point, if you can afford the time, you should interview with Lockheed. You will gain a better understanding of the type of work you will be doing, the people who work there, etc. At minimum, you will gain practice interviewing and be better prepared for later interviews with your “dream” companies. Work experience in your field of study will be seen as a positive by consumer companies. Good luck!!!