
The Career Center understands that choosing between multiple job or internship offers can be tough. FOMO (fear of missing out) may tempt you to keep searching even after accepting an offer, but honoring your commitments is essential for your professional reputation.
Why Reneging is a Serious Issue
Reneging—accepting a job offer with the intention of backing out if something better comes along—can have lasting consequences:
- Hurts Your Reputation – Employers invest time and resources in hiring you. Backing out can damage your credibility and eliminate future opportunities with that company.
- Industry Blacklisting – Recruiters talk. A reputation for reneging can spread, making it harder to secure jobs elsewhere.
- Impacts Duke’s Reputation – Companies recruit at Duke because they trust our students. If reneging becomes common, it could limit future opportunities for your peers.
Making the Right Choice
We want you to pursue your dream job while building meaningful professional relationships. If you’re unsure about an offer, don’t hesitate to seek guidance. The Career Center and campus partners are here to help you navigate tough decisions and communicate professionally with employers.
Need Support?
Your commitment to an offer is taken seriously, and reneging is not acceptable. Review our Recruiting Guidelines and Expectations, and if you have concerns, reach out to us at careerstudent@duke.edu. Schedule an appointment via Handshake or explore resources on Duke Career Hub.
Let’s work together to ensure a positive recruiting experience for you and future Duke students.
