Best Recommender - Current Peer or Old Supervisor?

you should definitely ask the supervisor - just make sure to get the person up to speed on where you are now so it's a current look at you. peers are not really appropriate unless requested.

If you work with someone who is not your direct supervisor but has a higher position than you (i.e. could potentially manage you) then that would be a decent choice for a recommender.

On recommendation forms the person is asked how long they have known you and in what capacity. If someone hasn't worked with you in the last 3 years they really can't speak to your current performance, strengths, skillset, and development opportunities. MBA admissions is a game of "what have you done lately." Remember, your recommenders should have first hand experience of your accomplishments and actions (not simply an update from you about things they never witnessed). If someone is talking about their experiences with you from 5-6 years ago the adcom isn't going to see that as relevant.

great point. let me elaborate:

- the person is still in my team and is still a supervisor
- the person USED to report to my manager's manager (director)
- for whatever reason, outlook shows him as reporting to my manager.

now there is another dimension to this... his role has never changed but officially he is a peer now. Sure he knows me well enough, he supervises most of us everyday. i wonder if this is something we should just spin a bit since his capacity is our superior.

[/quote]

great point. let me elaborate:

- the person is still in my team and is still a supervisor
- the person USED to report to my manager's manager (director)
- for whatever reason, outlook shows him as reporting to my manager.

now there is another dimension to this... his role has never changed but officially he is a peer now. Sure he knows me well enough, he supervises most of us everyday. i wonder if this is something we should just spin a bit since his capacity is our superior.[/quote]

Current supervisors are not necessarily needed. Most schools understand that applying to business school can be sensitive and political in some companies. Consulting / IB / PE - it's expected that you leave after a certain amount of time. Most other companies (industry) expect you to be a lifer or to at least have a significant number of years of loyalty. Hence, in some industries, it's expected you WON'T get a recommendation from your current supervisor.

Peers are fine - BUT make sure in the recommendation that the person writes in detail about his role as your supervisor, not your peer. Make sure that that comes across clearly. The recommendation will have more weight that way. It's essential that he clarify his role that he managed / supervised / mentored / coached (whatever you think the appropriate word is) you in your current role.

HBS Grad
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