Yi-Chun is preparing to apply for an MBA to support her career pivot from pharmaceutical sales into strategic consulting in the healthcare field. However, she faces a dilemma about whom she should ask to write her recommendations. Because of a recent shakeup in her department, she has only been reporting to her current boss for a few months. Her previous supervisor, who hired and later promoted her, is no longer with the company. As a successful salesperson, she has also considered asking a couple of long-term customers who work at famous companies. Outside of work Yi-Chun continues to be mentored by her university statistics professor, who was her undergraduate advisor and professor in three courses. While it’s great to have several potential recommenders in mind, it’s not immediately clear to Yi-Chun which of her connections would be viewed as the strongest options. This post will offer guidance about how to evaluate bosses, professors, colleagues, and other professional connections as possible recommenders for your business school applications. Bear in mind that it is common for programs to ask for two recommendations and some even ask for or have the option for three.
*Entrepreneurs and those who work for their family business may want to skip to the bottom of the article.
Recommenders for Professionals
- Current Boss – As a general rule, your current or most recent boss’ recommendation stands to offer the most up-to-date perspective and assessment of your experience, skills, and character. A boss who hired and/or promoted you is an especially strong recommender. In cases such as Yi-Chun’s short time working with her new supervisor or when companies or bosses do not support a candidate leaving to pursue studies, applicants should consider the next recommenders on this list.
- Previous Boss – Ideally this boss would be from your most recent job, but in some cases you might reach back more than one job for a recommendation. It’s ok to ask a previous boss even if your first recommender is your current boss. As above, someone who hired and/or promoted you is an especially strong recommender.
- Mentor – A mentor is someone you have a longstanding relationship with that is dedicated to guiding your career and giving advice. This could be a former professor, a previous colleague, or a personal connection. A recommendation letter needs to make the nature and quality of your relationship clear, so a mentor must be able to prove and speak to your long-term connection.
- University Professor – To include a professor as a recommender, it is best to have taken more than one of their classes, ideally in your major area of study. It will show an even stronger connection if the professor was your advisor or was involved in your student club or other activities. For those with more than four or five years of work experience, master’s programs will focus more on your career progress, so a professor is probably not the right recommender. However, research-focused MS and PhD programs will specifically ask for one or more academic recommendations, in which case you must have at least one professor write a recommendation.
- Senior Colleague – Should your current and/or previous boss be unavailable as recommenders, a senior colleague with whom you work(ed) closely may be an option. An example of a strong working relationship would be a sustained cross-departmental collaboration, such as one that a Product Manager might have with the Product Marketing Team. This person should have evidence of the quality of your work as well as first-hand knowledge of your personality and strengths.
- Long-time Client or Customer – This option should be considered only if you have exhausted those above and are still in need of a recommender. As with a senior colleague, a long-term client or customer must be able to demonstrate a longstanding relationship. Through your interactions, this person will act as a character witness and can testify to your professionalism and skills, such as negotiation, project management, risk assessment, and ability to work under pressure.
Recommenders for University Students
- Professor in Your Major – If possible, a professor who taught classes directly in line with your major or your intended graduate study topic should be your top academic recommendation choice. In the best case scenario, you would have performed well and maintained some connection with this person. However, even if you were not their star student or you haven’t kept in touch, this person’s alignment with your studies and goals positions them to give a valuable recommendation.
- Internship Manager – For most college students, a university internship is their first exposure to professional work environments, roles, and expectations. An internship manager can provide legitimate support for your unique profile, including your openness to feedback, ability to work well in teams and learn new skills, and potential to succeed as a professional. Again, it’s best if this internship aligns with your post-program career goals, but even if it doesn’t, an internship manager can still vouch for your potential for future success.
- Academic Advisor – An academic advisor’s role, relationship, and familiarity with your studies makes them an appropriate recommender. If you have built a close relationship with your advisor, their recommendation could be as impactful as a professor. Regardless how close your relationship with your advisor is, if you are still a student it would be wise to visit your advisor to discuss your study and career plans if you are considering asking them for a recommendation.
- Professor Not in Your Major – If it’s not possible to ask a professor in your major, a professor whose elective or other classes you took can provide an academic recommendation. Ideally you performed well and have or had some other connection with this person, such as their involvement in your student club or as an advisor.
Special Cases
- You’re an Entrepreneur – If you are an entrepreneur, it’s possible that you don’t have and haven’t had a boss. In this case, we would recommend that you consider points #2-6 in the Recommenders for Professionals section above. Additionally, an investor or former business partner could be a good fit to recommend you as you have earned their trust and they have closely followed your career path.
- You Work for Your Family Business – It is essential to know that a family member can never provide a recommendation letter since they cannot offer unbiased information. This sometimes puts applicants in a tricky situation if their primary managers have been their family members. As with entrepreneurs, in this situation, we would recommend that you consider points #2-6 in the Recommenders for Professionals section above.
[Conclusion]
While it’s not always obvious which of your connections will provide a recommendation that can move the needle in support of your application, it is possible to take a systematic approach to selecting your candidates. When it comes time to request recommendations, be sure to take a proactive approach to helping your recommenders give an accurate account on your behalf. Seeking out your close professional and academic connections can only have a positive impact on your candidacy. Still uncertain who to ask? Book a free 20-minute consultation for a preliminary discussion about your recommenders with one of our knowledgeable consultants.