u/LavishnessCapable335

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I’m a recent college graduate and could really use some advice.

I interviewed with this company about four months ago while I was still living near my school. They liked me but didn’t have a position available. Since I had no idea when something would open, I graduated, moved away, and continued applying elsewhere.

Unexpectedly, they contacted me recently because a position opened and offered me the job. I really want the opportunity, but they wanted me to start within about two weeks.

They've asked me several times if I can start on certain dates, and I've kept asking for more time because I'm trying to figure everything out. I'm now worried that continuing to ask for time could eventually cause them to withdraw the offer.

I have to relocate, find an apartment, pay the upfront move-in costs, and figure out transportation because the position requires driving to a job site and I don't currently have a car.

Once I'm actually receiving my salary, I should be okay financially. It's coming up with thousands of dollars before my first paycheck that's difficult.

Should I just be completely transparent with the company about the situation? Would asking about relocation assistance, an advance/signing bonus, temporary housing, transportation assistance, or a later start date be reasonable?

I really don't want to lose this opportunity, but I also don't want to promise a start date and then be unable to make everything work.

Anyone in HR/management or who has been through something similar what would you do?

For the people graduating from Illinois Institute of Technology or current students, what’s your honest opinion about the school now that you’re near the end of your time here?

If you could go back and redo college all over again, would you still choose IIT, or would you have done things differently?

Personally, I have mixed feelings. Academically, the school definitely pushes students hard, especially in engineering, architecture, and technical majors. The workload is intense, classes are long, and it’s definitely not a typical university experience. I do think IIT produces hardworking and ambitious students, and many people do land jobs after graduation.

At the same time, I feel like there are a lot of issues students don’t fully realize until they attend. Communication between departments can be frustrating, campus life feels isolating at times, dorms and facilities feel outdated, and the budget issues at the school seem noticeable in many areas. It sometimes feels like students are left to figure things out on their own.

I honestly think if I could go back, I would have spent more time comparing schools, financial aid packages, campus culture, and overall student support before making a final decision. I don’t completely regret attending IIT, but I also don’t know if I would choose it again if I had other strong options available.

Curious to hear other graduating students’ honest thoughts and whether you would make the same decision again or not.