I am a graduate student planning to be finished around September. Last year I went through a lengthy application process for a federal government recruitment program (for a specific Ministry) but in January finally heard back that I was rejected and put on the list for future openings. This week they sent me an offer, and I have a week to accept or reject. The start date, however, could be as far as next January (my preference).

Circumstances have changed and I am now less enthusiastic about accepting, but don't want to eliminate the option entirely. I'm wondering if it would be out of line to accept now with the notion that I might, sometime before the start date, change my mind and pull out. I know accepting then rejecting is normally totally unacceptable, but I am considering it because the offer is for a program rather than a specific job posting, and the start date is so far away. They accept some 40 people a year, with more on a waiting list. Its basically a fast-track program with three rotational assignments over 2 years (the first of which I have no say over being assigned to), and I doubt that they would have me pegged me a speciffic task more than a few months in advance.

Having said that, I really don't want to burn any bridges, since I may in the future decide I want to work there, or in a related government department (they undoubtedtly share records), and don't want a black mark to my name.

I am in a high-demand field, my skills are quite valuable and it is likely that I will be able to find interesting work quickly after I graduate. Nevertheless its hard not to be a little clingy to such an opportunity (I've been unemployed before and its not fun). And the recruitment program route does offer certain benefits over a normal entry (fulltime permanent status, mentoring and training opportunities).

Opinions and advice?

Thanks.

K