Rejected for internship at my current job

[Pavlov81]

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Right around Match day, I started a paid RA job at a local hospital. Though several of my supervisors were involved in the interview and selection process, as far as I know, no one is aware that I actually applied here for internship, or that I was not invited to interview.

I keep wondering why I was rejected. I had a pretty solid application, and they've interviewed people from my PhD program before, including people with less experience working with this particular population. I would say that my credentials are perhaps a bit stronger than those of their typical interns (it's a decent, but not amazing, internship site), but not crazily so.

The longer I work here, the more curious I am about why I was rejected. However, even if I could set the awkwardness aside, I really don't have a valid reason to ask for feedback from anyone. I did match, so it's not like I need that information for the next application cycle. Moreover, I matched to my first choice site, which I thought was a huge long shot and is (even according to my current coworkers, who know where I matched) much, much more prestigious than this hospital. So it's really only my wounded pride that's fueling this.

So, since I'll be working here to pay bills until I move out of state for internship in a couple of months: do I just put it out of my head? Remind myself that I wouldn't have ranked them highly anyway (true), so it doesn't matter? See if I can subtly ask someone for info? Help!

 

[AcronymAllergy]

Personally, I'd do my best to try and just get it out of my head. As you've said, there's really no utility in attempting to gather information, and even if you did, there's no knowing if the information you received would tell the whole story. Beyond that, it has the potential to make things much more awkward than they currently might be, and without much of a potential payoff in return.

 

[Doctor Eliza]

If you hadn't matched it might be worth it. In this case I don't see any benefit. Just from your short post I wonder if they sensed you might be a better fit elsewhere (as you say, you wouldn't have ranked them higher than your match.)

I can certainly relate to wanting to know. It would bug me too. But try your hardest to let it go...

Best,
Dr. E

 

[futureapppsy2]

Personally, I'd do my best to try and just get it out of my head. As you've said, there's really no utility in attempting to gather information, and even if you did, there's no knowing if the information you received would tell the whole story. Beyond that, it has the potential to make things much more awkward than they currently might be, and without much of a potential payoff in return.

This.

It's easier said than done, but just try to let it go. It's not worth potentially burning bridges.

 

[Pavlov81]

This is really good advice. I agree with all of you - there really isn't anything to be gained here. Even if I could somehow guarantee that I would get 100% completely honest feedback about why I didn't interview, is there really anything they could say that would make me feel better? Probably not.

My supervisors have been very pleased with my work, and have been saying they're really sad to be losing me. I'm realizing that a (very immature) part of me wants them to know that they had the chance to keep me around (I would have ranked them, just not #1 or 2), and they passed it up. I'm not proud of this feeling, and it's even more of a reason not to go looking for information!

Yes, I am apparently in middle school.

 

[paramour]

If you wouldn't have ranked them 1/2 regardless, I really don't understand what there is to gain by the hypothetical conversation. Be happy that you matched, and move on with your life. 👍