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I will be applying to top 10 schools (with some backups) for fall 2010. My concern is recommendations. My company does not look highly on leaving to attend graduate school, and also has a policy against giving recommendations. I have 2 core references picked out, 1 a former manager who no longer works at the company and another former manager who does still work there, but who I trust enough to ask for a recommendation despite the culture and policy. Will the admissions committee understand that I cannot ask my current supervisor for a recommendation based on company policy and because of how it will impact the remainder of my employment, even though I have a recommendation from another manager at my company? Or, would I be better served finding a recommendation from another former employee?

Thanks for your input!

Hi KP2010,

You ask a very good question. Many applicants struggle with this situation. It is perfectly understandable that you are unable to use your current supervisor for your recommendation. You certainly don't want to put your job at risk. You should plan to write a brief optional essay explaining that you were unable to ask your current supervisor for a recommendation due to the risk it will have on your employment. This is a common situation the adcom is used to seeing. You need not go into a long explanation of your company's policy on recommendations.

If you'd like further assistance, please feel free to send your resume to [email protected] for a free assessment.

Best,

Stacey