I recently received a personalized thank you note from my CEO and executive leadership team at a fortune 100 company for a project I just completed. This is a great honor and a rare event. It is a clear representation of my leadership and great work at my current company. I was thinking of potentially including this letter in my applications. I was wondering if this is unheard of, or how including the letter would be viewed. I am applying to Darden, Duke, UCLA, and Ross. Thanks for your advice!
I think that including the letter in some form or manner is a no brainer. The issue is how to do it, as some schools prohibit sending additional materials. All schools tend to have an optional essay where they ask you to submit any further information that is critical. At times there are word limits and clear instructions that this section is meant to deal with "red flags" (low gpa, loss of job..)If these restrictions do not apply for a given school, then this might be a potential place. You can of course make mention of it in your essays, and of course the dream would be for your CEO to send it on your behalf as a non reference supporting letter. These types of letters, if tastefully done, can indeed help your case. Email me if you want to get some more specifics on how to handle this.
Good Luck!
Alex
