Carnegie Mellon adheres to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) Principles for Professional Conduct. In addition, all employers must review and adhere to the U.S. Department of Labor Guidelines for Unpaid Internships
Working with us implies that you have read and agree to adhere to these principles.
Our offer guideline was created in the spirit of being respectful of employers’ timelines and hiring needs while providing students with sufficient time to consider offers of employment. It is designed to minimize incidents of reneging (pursuing and accepting an employment offer after accepting another offer). It has been our experience that students who feel undue pressure to make an employment decision are often more prone to renege after accepting. Adhering to the timeframes detailed in the offer policy is therefore in the best interests of both employers and students.
For all student questions regarding this guideline, please contact your Career Consultant.
Type of Offer Extended
Earliest Student Response Dates
Any offer as a result of a summer internship** (return offer)
October 15th or three weeks (whichever is later)
All other offers
November 15th or three weeks (whichever is later)
Type of Offer Extended
Earliest Student Response Dates
Minimum of three weeks
*At a minimum, an offer of employment for a full-time or internship position should be in writing, and should contain the following information: job title, anticipated start date, and basic financial information such as salary, bonus, stock options, and/or relocation support. **An internship constitutes a work experience that provides students with practical knowledge in a particular field or area of study. They are a type of hands-on, experiential learning that occurs in a professional work setting for a specified period of time (10-12 weeks, 20-40 hours). Students are assigned an on-site supervisor who creates specific learning objectives to be achieved throughout the duration of the internship.
