A personal matter...

I really don't have any idea what do do. I am a student in electronics and I've just finished my second year. I got my exam results today which are fantastic. But next year we have to do an internship at a company.

I was going to do a study at Philips in Belgium, but a few days ago there was a news report which said that they were closing down the production lines. :banghead:

So today I saw one of my teachers who said another company was asking for students. He said the name of the company and I knew at that point that it was the same company my dad worked at. For most people this would be a good thing, but in my case it's definitely not. It's a terrible thing to say, but my dad is really not a good person. I texted him with the news and he immediately advised me not to go there because he's got a bad reputation there (at least he's that honest).

What do I say to my teacher? He really pushed me in the direction of this company since they needed interns, but I don't want to go there! Do I just tell him the truth, that I don't wanna go because of my dad or what?

 

lying is better than the truth because sensitive facts may be adjusted as needed. Lie, but think about what you're going to say.

 

"I appreciate the offer, but I'm sorry, I will have to pass due to issues beyond my control. Thank you very much."

Bam, over

 

I would just tell him the truth, but massage the subtle details into a slightly more palatable story.

Honestly though. If this ends up being your only choice of internships, there may still be a lot you could learn which should not be turned down because of a poor relationship with your father.

 

You don't have to go into specifics, simply go back to your tutor and say 'I've thought it through, and this might sound a little odd to you, but I have very personal reasons not to go back to the specific company in question. Not that I am not grateful for the opportunity, however can I please ask you to offer me another company or organization."

If he gets annoyed or quizzes you, then you can decide what to tell. By simply explaining there is a family reason not to work at the company he might take the hint.

Just make sure that you don't get get bumped down to some rubbish company because you are a trouble maker ;-)

 

Just tell your teacher "I know i dint tell you this when you made me aware of the position available at the company but im unable to take the position. The reason being i would not be comfortable in working at the same company as my father due to personal reasons"

The likely hood is hes gonna instantly understand and not ask anything further. If he does just say you dont have a good personal relationship with your father and you wouldnt feel its possible to work in the same organization.

 

I'd go back to your teacher and tell him/her the truth or as much as you can about not going there. You don't need to go into details or anything but as long you let them know there are personal reasons that stand in the way then your teacher should understand.

If he/she ask for some extra information on why you don't want to go there then just explain thats its family related and not something your going discuss outside of your family. Also i'd try and let them know that you appreciated them pointing out the company but you'd be grateful if you were given some other companys you could go to.

 

BAM!

 

BAM! There it is!

 

Your teacher may be pushing you in that direction, but let's be honest here: this is your education and in the end, your decision. I can say from experience (as both a former student and professor) that you do not want to jeopardize your education and future employment prospects just to placate one of your teachers.

Now, having said that, the best thing that you could do is offer a brief explanation on why you do not want to intern there. Don't lie; your teacher may have ties to the company and eventually find out about your father. A simple statement to the effect of "thank you, but I do not believe this internship will achieve my future educational or career goals" should suffice.

 

Just go and do it.

Even if your dad is a big jerk people will judge you for you based on how you treat them after a day or so. Pretty soon they will be joking with you about the fact that you are and your father are so different.

You are going in with the best possible case. They think the worst of you and you can only impress them. If he is as bad as you say they would never hire you on paper. BUT working there like this gives you a chance to let people get to know you for you and you might actually get a job there if you wanted to do that down the road.

I think you worry over nothing. This sounds like something good to me.

Now if you don't want to go because your dad will be a big jerk TO YOU while you are there. Well then just come out and say it.

"My father works there and we don't get along well. I don't think that is the best place for me" Who can argue with that?

 

I agree with assembler.

Go or don't go but grow some balls and just call it like it is. I'd go. Screw it. What is going to happen that you are afraid of?

Don"t you know people whos parents are jerks? You still like them right?

 

Just say you don't want to work with your father because you feel it would be a difficult situation. You don't have to give details.

 

thruth. simple like that.

 

Thanks for all the advice. The reason why it's such a big deal to me is that my grades are given partly by internal personnel.

 

You have two options.

1. Be straight with your teacher. Tell him that you are excited about working at the company but your father works there, you don't get on, and he advised you don't work there as he has a bad rep. You are concerned that it may hinder you unfairly if you went there. Stress that you are keen to have such a placement. Perhaps look up alternative companies in the same field and suggest them.

2. Take the position, give it your all and if you have problems because of your father, make it clear that you're NOT him and you're there to work. Business is business, not the playground. There should be no childishness in business. So you don't like someone. BIG DEAL. Would that really stop you from taking a job somewhere, or make you want to leave? Likewise with schools - you don't change schools because you don't get on with another pupil. If you work, the company will work. They want team players. If someone else has a problem with you, it isn't good business - it'll get sorted.

Does it have to be in Belgium? Your profile says "Europe" so I don't know whether you live in Belgium or not. Philips are Dutch, so if you want to work for them you could go to Holland. Or I'm sure there are many manufacturers in the electronics industry based in Belgium.

Good luck whatever you do - sounds interesting!

 

I really don't think people will care that you are your dad's son.

If anything I think your father doesn't want people he works with to know his son isn't a small version of him. It might make your father look human.

 

That, unfortunately, really depends on the people.