Question regarding getting recommendations from one's manager

Question

Dear friends here at GMAT Club,

I just finished my GMAT in March, and I plan on applying to business schools this coming September.

Got a question here for you guys. How do I ask my managers to write me recommendations required by different schools? I am not sure how they will feel when they find out I am leaving, especially when I am likely rolling off to a new role this July. It will still be more than a year, but I don’t know if my managers will be happy about it.

Has anyone ever run into this type of situation when his/her managers were unwilling to give out the best recommendation because they don’t want their employees leave the company?

It gets even trickier because I know I will not return to this company. I do not think it is the best fit, and I can see myself running out of place to grow very soon. Also, if I get into a nice business school and receive a reputable MBA, my current employer will not be able to offer something that will make both parties feel satisfied.

Any suggestions and experience welcome!

Stevkang8

dtse86 · Answer

It's definitely one of the toughest conversations to have. I recall having nightmares about this and putting it off for the longest time with my current boss. However, if you are seeking a recommendation from them, then this is a conversation you must have. I think I originally approached it as if I was announcing my resignation for a job for another company, however I knew there'd be a lot of questions surrounding the MBA especially since I had just received a Masters in Engineering Management and he was from an engineering background. For me, I prepared for the conversation by playing out several scenarios in my head and anticipating his questions. I put myself in his shoes and made sure I had concrete or plausible explanations for some of his questions and concerns: Why are you looking to leave? Well I've been assessing my current career path right now and I'm not really satisfied of where I see myself going. So I've done some research and an MBA seems like the right next step for me to change careers. Well, what career are you looking for? I'm looking to do management consulting, which is basically generally business consulting. I didn't do anything to make you want to leave did I? No What about the job do you not like? I just don't find the stuff that I'm doing interesting any more. I'm hoping to learn something else. Can't you go into management consulting without an MBA? Didn't you just finish a degree? Maybe, but I think it's better if I go for a full MBA because I do need to work on some additional business skills and the path seems more defined from an MBA program. The real conversation was actually surprisingly pleasant and he was very supportive of my decision. Although, he did ask one that I hadn't anticipated but it was a very valid one. He asked whether or not I'd consider a part-time program. Luckily I had been perusing the GMATClub forums (and done some honest consideration myself) on this and explained that without the internship, it made career switching quite difficult. For me it was "easier" I guess because I am changing careers, but it was great training for what you can expect from an admissions interview. They'll likely ask the same or similar questions and you need to be ready to answer. I think my conversation was also a little harder, in that I had to try and explain why an MBA to someone that doesn't fully understand the management consulting/finance world and comes from an engineering background. However he was very open and understanding which made it much easier on my nerves halfway in. Lastly, I'd say (if you're not changing industries or functions) not to close the door on returning to your company. You don't want to burn bridges because you never know what your situation will look like after your MBA and you're looking to rejoin the workforce. Just let them know that you'd like to explore your options and that it's likely that you'll go to another company afterwards. I think they'll understand that you'll be involved with recruiting and that if they want you to return, they'll be competing with several other companies or firms. :gl

!

stevkang8 · Answer

dtse86

Thank you very much for the detailed experience sharing.

I will do some scenario simulations, and hopefully I will be able to cover most of the potential questions they will have for me.

I am not really changing my function (supply chain/operations), but I am definitely trying to explore industries outside of manufacturing. And looking at the company's performance/ condition now, I am positive they will not offer something that will make me willing to return. MBA is a huge investment, and I cannot accept a low paying job with limited growth potential after I complete it. I will not say dumb things like "no you will not be able to afford me", I will go along the lines of "if there is a great fit then I would definitely love to return." Which basically tells them no, or I would just hang around longer in the first place.

I don't want to get a bad one....or nothing at all.

Another question, do past manager's recommendations count? I did an internship with a big telecommunication company in Canada, and I am still in touch with my manager, I think he would love to write me a nice one. I am just not too sure if that would work with MBA admission offices or not.

Thanks again for your answer

!

stevkang8

! stevkang8

dtse86 · Answer

Sure, past supervisors count! I had a former supervisor write one of mine. It's another reason why you don't want to burn bridges

! Like I said before, just make sure he can speak about your work specifically using examples or anecdotes. As for your other boss, I'm assuming that he won't agree to write a recommendation for you unless it was going to be a good one. In general, I've seen people decline to write a recommendation over writing a scathing one. Unless he's a total a$$, I think it'd be very unprofessional of him to take additional time out of his already busy day to write you a recommendation purposely to make sure you don't get in. He may be asked to identify a weakness or an area for you to work on, but generally it should be something that you're already aware of and perhaps something that you already note as an area to focus on in business school. Also, he should keep in mind that regardless of what he does, he shouldn't be looking to burn any bridges with you either. You never know, you may end up as his boss one day. MBA or no MBA.

Question regarding getting recommendations from one's manager

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