Early Return Offer VS Third SWE Internship
I’m stuck between two reasonable but risky options and would appreciate outside perspectives.
My background:
- Graduating December
- 1 SWE internship (Fortune 300)
- 1 SWE co-op (current role, small–mid sized company)
- Was set to start my third SWE internship this summer at Battelle (large nonprofit, strong name)
My current manager offered me a return offer: work full-time this summer, part-time in the fall, then convert to full-time after graduation. Salary would be mid-to-high 70s. I would sign all three offers before Friday.
The issue is stability. This company laid off half the company early in my co-op, plus prior layoffs before I joined. I like the work and manager, but the risk worries me.
If I go to Battelle instead, I’d graduate with 3 SWE internships, two being well-known names. That feels stronger long-term, but there’s no guarantee of a return offer and the market is rough.
With 3 SWE internships, maybe I can find something better? (In pay/stability/opportunities within the company)? Or... I can struggle to find work and regret taking the return offer?
Do I bet on my self and pass, or play it safe?
P.S. Manager says declining won’t burn bridges, but I’m not counting on that job still existing later.