Asking for references or letters of recommendation at work?

Question

I am hoping to apply this year but I'm stalling mainly because I have a really goo job here in Europe and not sure about asking for references. How did some of you deal with this?
I'm a bit unsure about my colleagues' reactions if I had to request one or two of them to write references or letters of recommendation for my applications.

If I don't get into any of the MBA programs, I would be staying here and continuing with my job. it's a really good job, good salary etc, and I don't want to burn bridges by letting them know I'm applying for an MBA.

If I don't ask my manager and other colleagues, who do I ask for a reference. Any ideas / suggestions?

cheetarah1980 · Answer

Have you worked for any other companies in the last 1-3 years? You could ask a former manager from that company. Are you active in any organizations outside of work? You can get a reference from someone who works with you in that organization.

I asked my boss and my company mentor for recs. It wasn't a big deal. Why does applying to MBA programs have to mean burning bridges? It's all about how you position it. It's not like you're going to say, "I'm moving on to bigger and better things. Peace out B*TCHES!"

gijoedude · Answer

I  might  be able to ask the CEO of a F500 bank to write me a recommendation letter (family friend). Would that be useful or should I just stick to my boss from work?

LionsSBC12 · Answer

Would that person be able to provide detailed answers to the questions that are asked in recommender forms?

jko · Answer

If you haven't worked with this person, their recommendation would be worthless.

I can tell you that every admissions event I've been to (almost a dozen events now), each rep has made a very explicit point of saying that they don't care about the title of the recommender, what they care about is whether the recommender can speak to actual experience they've had working with you.

gty893 · Answer

What are everyone's thoughts about 2 people from the same company? I have been at the same company for about 5 years; this is the only job I've had since school. I could go back and ask people from past internships since I do still keep in touch, but I don't think they would be as meaningful and in depth as the 2 people in my current company that I have in mind. One would be my manager, who already offered to write a letter, and the other would be a very well respected account manager in a separate department, who I know would give me a great letter. Anything wrong with that?

cheetarah1980 · Answer

Nothing at all wrong with it. Both of my professional recommendations are from people within my company. They are two different people with two different experiences with you. They'll each offer a unique perspective.

Sodium · Answer

Precisely, that's why I am worried about asking other people. I guess I will have to explain to my work place that I wouldn't be leaving if I don't get a place.

gijoedude · Answer

Oh I see. I haven't worked with him. He happens to be my father's friend. I guess I will stick to my bosses and people from my ECs.

Asking for references or letters of recommendation at work?

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