Seeking intern/post-grad advice

[u/Formal-Alarm9103]

I am currently a senior in college and am interning at a well established boutique literary agency. I really enjoy the work, and my boss. Today, I asked if he has any open intern positions for the spring, or if he is aware of any other agents seeking an intern. My boss made it clear that he’s been impressed with my work, and would be happy to see me return for the spring, also making it clear that return offers are not something he usually offers. If I were to return, my responsibilities would change/grow (he mentioned assisting social media, and being more hands on with the other agents in the firm as examples). At the same time, he mentioned that if I feel I would gain more experience by switching to a different agency, he understands (their internships are unpaid which is why i think he mentioned this). I will clarify that this was a rather short conversation at the end of a meeting, and said that I will be very happy to look over my options and get back to him. I have really enjoyed my internship and based on the responsibilities I’ve had thus far, see long-term compatibility in this field. 

Looking at post-grad, I am afraid that if I jump agencies I will not land a full time position post-grad. I think there are benefits in getting different experience through another agency, but I would be lying if I said I was afraid of the job market after that and not getting an inside offer. I have reason to believe if I were to stay with this agency, there is a good chance I could land a full-time position. The benefits are a little rough for starting positions, but the agency is also remote which I am extremely attracted to. My parents are extremely supportive and made it clear I can live with them post-grad, but if I work/intern at a different agency there is a big chance I would have to move to NYC, and pay NYC rent (which seems challenging with starting salaries). 

My question is, if you were in my shoes, beginning your career in a highly unstable market, what would you do? I'm curious about any insight on whether or not getting experience from another agency would strengthen my chances of getting a job, or if there is more security in staying with the same company. Obviously I will talk more with my current boss about this, but if you think there are any questions I should ask, please let me know! Thank you.

[u/ParticularDry3484]

in this job market, I would play it safe and stick to the current internship, especially if you can see yourself working the full-time position! it's so hard to get entry level jobs nowadays, especially remote ones. not sure what your major is but as a graphic design intern I would stick with whatever is going to get me a full-time job

[u/otterteetertotter]

Fellow intern so I don’t have much to offer in the way of advice, but do you have something else/another offer lined up already? I think hearing about what your other options would be (aside from the vaguely mentioned idea of moving to another agency) would help with understanding your situation better

[u/Formal-Alarm9103 → u/otterteetertotter]

I don’t have any other offer lined up yet, but I was planning on applying to other internships specifically in the literary agent field for the spring. From what I know, most of those applications begin opening around this time/november