<prompt> Human: Im 22M and will graduate from college in December. Summer 2017 I interned as an arborist for a small, but growing, company Company A. I really enjoyed working for them and have been offered full time employment in the new year. Last Thursday I got an email from a competing company Company B, offering me a job with them. They are a more established company, theyve been around since the 1930s, and as I understand it they will likely pay better than the company I interned for. I dont know what their company culture is like, however, and I dont really have any idea if I would like working there or not.To make things more complicated, the Company B was going to acquire Company A this summer, but the deal fell through. I assume that is how the Company B knows about me and why they want to hire me. I live in a metro area, but the industry itself if fairly small and I am somewhat concerned about word getting back to Company A that I am taking to Company B and that it could hurt my career potential with Company A if I choose to stay with them. So, my question basically is how should I proceed? If I had to decide today I would stay with Company A since I believe I would have more room to grow professionally with the company. However, I want to at least entertain the idea of working for Company B and talk with them enough to inform my decision. Is asking to meet with Company B to learn more about their company work culture the best way to proceed? If I decide to go with Company A, how should I tell Company B without burning a bridge there? Thank you for your help. I appreciate it. Edit: A couple people asked about my contact with Company B. I have only received an email from them, which I have not responded to yet. The vocabulary they used was: We would love to talk to you about a summer internship with our company,Company B, or even a full time position if you are graduating soon. We would love to work with you and find a place where you can fit and grow. We want you to be a success with our organization.So it is worth noting this isnt a formal job offer.  <response>: You are at a good point to get the answers to all of your questions. The email you received looks like an offer to contact them about an interview. The wording in your edit honestly looks like they need help and are willing to negotiate with you based on your circumstances. In my experience, this looks like a good sign, and I get a positive impression about the company based on just the wording used.If you are interested, get in touch with them and set up an interview. This is where youll be able to ask your questions. Most companies will be willing to work with you and understand that you have a job and need to be discreet as they pursue you. Just be upfront about why you need to interview at a time that wont interfere with your job and why you cant give a reference from your current employer. 