I'm rapidly approaching the target deadline for my chosen program and I'm having a problem sourcing a supervisor recommendation. The short version is this:
*I really like my job. An MBA would be a dream/challenge, but accepting an offer will be very dependent on my finances.
*I have a hard-to-replace specialist skill and my boss has
told me so. Today he indicated to me that I was underpaid and in line for a raise/promotion in the summer.
*I'm pretty sure I could get a good recommendation, but I'm reluctant to ask. It would be from a group manager who is in the promotion-approval-chain. Since the next job grade is reasonably competitive (only so many positions a year) I could hurt my chances by revealing that I may leave within the year.
Compound that with:
* My previous line manager from another team has recently switched to my current team and is now under my supervision, ie: conflict of interest.
* For various reasons there are no other ranking/supervisor candidates whom I trust enough to ask or who know me well enough to recommend me.
I've asked for one recommendation from a manager in my old department. I need one more recommendation and it looks like I'm down to this choice:
1) Ask current management to go for the best possible application, but risk putting my advancement in jeopardy. (I don't think it would put my job in jeopardy.)
2) Get another peer recommendation. Write an optional essay explaining the situation. Count on a supplemental family-alumni letter, a recent job performance award, and interviews to balance the lack of proper supervisor recommendation.
Any suggestions? I'd appreciate any help or advice.