Recommendations for Consultants

Question

Hi Hjort!

Just wanted to get some advice about recommendations. I'm a consultant at a Big 4 and I have not worked on a single client for longer than six months, nor have I worked with the same group of people for more than six months. I cannot ask my Performance Evaluator to write a letter for obvious reasons and I am in a bind.

Who should I ask?

Thanks

desiguy · Answer

Any advice at all?

Hjort · Answer

I have been thinking this one over. How long have you been with your current firm? 

Hjort

desiguy · Answer

Hi Hjort,

I've been with the firm for a little over 2 years (3 years at matric.)
Prior to this job, I worked at an investment bank in an analyst program, so I will be asking an Associate over there for a recommendation.

In the event that I will need three recommendations, I have a community service one as well.

Thanks for your reply, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Hjort · Answer

As a gross oversimplification you have three options

1) Find the nearest thing you can to a strong LOR from your current position and apply with that

2) Apply without any LOR from your current position

3) Wait long enough in your current position to develop a strong LOR there


Depending on the rest of your application package and your portfolio 1) or 2) could be feasible. 

If you go with 2), how do you plan to explain the lack of an LOR from your current position?

desiguy · Answer

Hi Hjort,

Well, if I went with number two, I could explain the situation in an optional letter. I was also thinking that I could ask one of the project leaders that I have worked with to write one for me based on his experience and on some detailed reviews that I have received one other projects...

Is that a feasible idea? Would it be looked upon negatively by the school?

Thanks!

Hjort · Answer

I think the project leader idea would work. That way you have some input regarding your current position.

desiguy · Answer

Thanks for the help!

desiguy · Answer

Hjort,

Another question for you. I plan on applying to about 7 schools and I don't know if my project leader would be able to write all seven. Would it be alright if I had 3 written by a former project leader that left the firm and explain in my optional essays that I chose this recommender since I didn't want anyone in the firm to know about my MBA plans?

Thanks.

Hjort · Answer

That idea sounds reasonable.

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