Hi all! I’m a college student from Mexico studying in the US and need some advice. My long term plan is to return to Mexico and work in my family’s property development business.
I recently got two different summer internship offers and I’m really confused about which one to pick. The first one is with a well known consulting company in Mexico City. My contact there says they usually offer full time positions to their summer interns. I think consulting could teach me good business and finance skills that would help me later. The work hours might be tough but it’s only for two months. Plus the company name looks great on resumes and would help when I apply for MBA programs later. I also like that I could potentially work on international projects.
The problem is I already said yes to another offer before this consulting one came up (they only gave me like 24 hours to decide). This second job is with a big construction materials company back in my hometown. Being close to family would be amazing and the specific project they want me on is exactly related to real estate investing which is perfect for my goals. But they told me they don’t hire summer interns for full time roles later. The schedule is really chill though - only 6 hours per day.
I’m worried that if I stick with the construction company job I might miss out on better career opportunities compared to the consulting experience. But I also don’t want to go back on my word since I already committed. What would you do in my situation?
Construction materials company is the way to go! You’ll get real estate experience that directly helps with your family business goals. Being close to family while picking up relevant skills? That’s a win-win. Go with your gut on this one!
Honestly, I’d go with the construction company since you already committed - your word matters in business! I was in a similar spot years back, had to choose between a flashy opportunity and something more aligned with my goals. Ended up choosing the less “prestigious” option and it opened doors I never expected. You’re planning to work in property development anyway, so that real estate investing experience will be way more valuable than you think. Plus being close to family while in school? Priceless. The consulting gig sounds impressive but there’ll be other opportunities like that later.
Trust me, relevant experience beats brand name most of the time, especially when you’re going into a family business where practical knowledge is everything.
You’ve encountered a significant dilemma that many face when balancing commitments and opportunities. While the consulting internship may appear to offer prestige and skill enhancement, the ethical implications of backing out from your commitment to the construction firm could jeopardize your reputation in your hometown—an area where relationships are vital, especially in real estate. Moreover, the hands-on experience you gain in the construction industry is highly relevant to your family’s business, aligning perfectly with your aspirations in property development. The local network you build during your internship could also prove invaluable in the long run. Therefore, I would advise you to honor your commitment to the construction company. The insights and experience you gain there will serve you better in your long-term goals than the allure of a prestigious consulting role.
