Recommendation from a peer?

Question

Hi, everyone,

I recently completed a pro bono project as a project manager, leading a team of 8 colleagues from different parts of my company. I was wondering if it would be ok to ask one of those team members to write my recommendations for at least one of my applications or keep him as a back up.. (you know just in case my other recommendation writers bail out at the last minute :?:

) In terms of his profile, he is a peer in the company (i.e. has the same designation as I do) but reported to me during the course of this project.

Any thoughts?

) In terms of his profile, he is a peer in the company (i.e. has the same designation as I do) but reported to me during the course of this project. Any thoughts?

patriot · Answer

Why not? if he can add a unique point of view and support your candidacy, you should ask him.

money9111 · Answer

I would actually search for the recommendation questions of the schools that you're applying too first to see if he would be prompted with any questions that he may not be able to answer.

CriticalSquare · Answer

Hi there,

That's a great experience to have on your resume but no, as a backup a peer is generally not suitable. Some schools do offer this as an option but very rarely.

If you concern is that a recommender may bail at the last moment (which I certainly hope is not the case - they should be fully vested in your success and acknowledge the commitment up front), you need to line up a "like" replacement. In other words, a peer can't replace a supervisor.

I hope that helps!

Bhavik

Recommendation from a peer?

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