Hi
texaslong22,
Thank you for your post. Generally speaking, your recommenders want to give the adcom an idea of who you are. Both recommenders should be selected on the basis that they can address, in specific detail, your contributions and impact in their organization. Below are a few comments on each:
Recommender 2 option #1: What I like about this recommender particularly is that he can speak to your "ability to drive run large scale projects and drive impact in our org." Although I sense that you are concerned about his status (i.e. no MBA and no prior experience writing recommendations for MBA candidates), I think this could be a strong recommender, if coached.
Recommender 2 option #2: I like this one because she is a client and can speak to your ability to impact her organization, which offers a different perspective from that of the partner.
Recommender 2 option #3: If a recommender can only speak "generally" about your work, then I recommend you exclude them from your potential recommender list, especially because you already have such great options.
All in all, you should be OK with selecting either option #1 or option #2. Considering you have already asked/selected the former partner of the consulting firm (as recommender #1), who (between option #1 and option #2) do you think can provide an added perspective on your character and values to help the admission team?
Good luck with your applications.
Susan
texaslong22
Hi!
As I am preparing my application strategy for R2 at H/S/W, I have a question on who I should select as my recommender.
Background:
- former strategy consultant at top 5 consulting firm
- currently on the strategy team of a big tech firm
Recommender:
- Strong recommendation from Partner I worked with on multiple projects at consulting firm
Looking for advice on who to choose as my second recommendation, let me know your thoughts please!
Options for 2nd recommender :
Let's assume they will be equally strong in their praise and effort to help.
- A principal on my team that helped me manage my previous project that can provide strong insight into my ability to drive run large scale projects and drive impact in our org. I will also ask him to incorporate some positive stakeholder feedback to demonstrate impact. He does not have an MBA and I am not sure if he has written a recommendation letter for MBA.
- A stakeholder/client on the same project that can speak to my leadership and ability to drive impact in her org. I will ask her to incorporate thoughts and feedback from my manager as well. She has an MBA from HBS.
- A director on my team that is aware of my project work and can generally speak to it but is more abreast to the team initiatives I work on such as D&I and Mentorship. Although I can always have her speak with the principal I worked with on the project above to get more detail on my role and impact. She has an MBA from HBS.
Obviously difficult to provide the best recommendation without additional detail on my background and relationship with each but any general advice or recommendation you have would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks so much!!