Recommendation - Deceived

Question

My previous supervisor deceived me. Two months ago I asked him to write recos for me and he agreed. But now he straight away denied and told me that he is two busy and can not spare time. He gave me this shock just 8 days before INSEAD deadline.

Now I have few questions:

1. I have only spent 8 months in my current project. Will it be OK if I ask my current supervisor?
2. Is it OK to ask somebody from my client who is my peer not supervisor? He don't have any direct reports. 
3. How about one of the B-School (Rotman, Canada) graduate with whom I worked for a year in 2003? He was my supervisor.

I would really appreciate a quick reply.

dukes · Answer

Have you considered moving your application to R3? Unlike other schools, you would not be lowering your chances.

homefry · Answer

That sucks man.

1. 8 months is plenty to have examples of your work. I would ask him.

2. No. It would look bad.

3. Even better. Your situation is not that bad. I would ask both person 1 and 2 and see what their response is. I would ask your current supervisor first though.

lhotseface · Answer

1 and 3 both sound good. 3 might be able to perform a better job given his/her MBA background.

pelihu · Answer

That sucks, but it's probably a good thing. You don't want a recommendation from someone like that anyways. I'd go with #1. 8 months is plenty of time, and most schools want your current supervisor anyways.

necromonger · Answer

What a jackass - complete lack of professionalism and empathy. (1) and (3) do sound good, don't go with (2).

brufarber · Answer

You are fortunate that it shocked you now. People like that get u out the door really fast. Try option 1. U still have time.

mbadart07 · Answer

you can go for option 1.. my immediate supervisor knew me for ten months when he gave his reco letter. 8 months is gud enough time to evaluate a person. Dont worry about the time period much if you can get a stellar reco..All the best!!

willget800 · Answer

try #1, but does #1 know that you may plan to leave.. thats the potential issue i see with #1..

i care for you.. my previous supervisors did the same thing... it sucked.. they did not even bother meailing or phoning me back.. and while i worked there, i was treated like a superhero (seriously!)..

Recommendation - Deceived

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