The Application Process

I plan on applying to b-school in two years, but right now I am close to transferring to a completely different division of my firm; I won't have any professional contact with my current supervisor that has known me for over a year. Is it possible/advisable to ask for a recommendation letter now and keep it on file until I apply?

Thanks!

This is not a bad idea, as your current supervisor's memory of all of your work and contributions is freshest now - even outside of b-school, it's a good idea to have this on file in case you need a recommendation for other purposes. Your current supervisor may not be able to write as vividly about you as time goes on. However, a few things to consider -

- Schools ask different questions of different recommenders, and so you may have to come back to this person in two years and ask them to "freshen up" the letter by ensuring that the letter responds to the school's questions. If you know the schools you want to apply to now, you could have the person address the given questions now. However, the recommendation questions may change down the line, and so just be prepared that your supervisor may have to revise their letter down the line.

- Schools want to hear from the people who know you best, and so while you may not continue to work for this person, you should maintain a relationship with them so that your work together doesn't feel like a distant memory when it comes time for you to apply. If your supervisor has to update their letter, you want his or her enthusiasm about your candidacy to remain high.

Good luck!

Julie