Using internship from 6 years ago as reference

Question

Im applying for an MBA at Said. They ask for two professional reference. I have asked from my current supervisor for one. Can I ask from my previous supervisor during an internship experience from 6 years ago for the other reference ? The internship was with a Minister

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Posted from my mobile device

Admissionado · Answer

amirimran95 :

Assuming there is no fine print or restrictions in the application, you CAN ask this person, but we would not recommend it. Is there no one else more recent or another person at your current company you can ask? What about someone from an extracurricular or other type of leadership activity?

We're not saying that it's forbidden from asking someone 6 years ago, but surely you aren't the same person you are now. We imagine your skills and experience would be more impressive now than back then. Also, a recommendation letter coming from an internship is not held in the same regard as a full-time role.

Hope that helps,
Admissionado

MBADecoder · Answer

Hi,
I will agree to the same reasons as written by Admissionado.
Firstly, when you did your internship, you would be just stepping into your job (or maybe you were still at college). So the skills relevant for b-school (leadership, team skills) would be lesser developed than they are now. So, this person would give only a limited view of your profile and I cant see that adding much to your overall application.

Secondly, internships are not so long as your FT work experience, where you will have worked with your managers for 6+months. This would again limit the talking points for the recommender.

Thirdly, if your worked with this recommender 6 years ago, they are likely to forget your work in detail and may not make a very convincing case in your favour at all.

Fourthly, if you wish to ask this person because they were a minister (important person), then it may not help that much. Designations and positions dont matter so much as the quality of what the recommender writes. your recommender should have closely observed your work and should be able to make a strong case for you.

Typically, I advise my applicants to ask a recommender with whom they have worked within the past 2-2.5 years. I'd recommend the same to you. 
If you have worked in the same company for 6 years, you would have more than one manager. You could ask your current and a previous manager. If you have switched jobs withing the past 1-2 years, you could ask your manager from the previous organization for the second recommendation. If you have substantial and noteworthy experience outside your main work- example, working at an NGO, then you could also consider someone from that organization to recommend you. This can specially help if your career goals are related to the work you do at this organization.

Hope this helps.

LemonEd · Answer

Hello

Is there a compelling reason why you wish to ask your internship supervisor from 6 years ago? While they can technically provide you with a reference, it would be advisable to approach someone who has worked with you for more than a few months, is aware of your career growth, and has worked with you recently. The position of your recommender doesn't hold much relevance unless they have worked with you closely and can comment on your personality, character, and capabilities.

Have you been working at your current job for the past 6 years? If so, you could always consider asking someone else in your company or even a customer or vendor with whom you have worked closely in the past few years.

All the best!

Using internship from 6 years ago as reference

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