The Application Process

Hi guys,

Wanted some advice on which recommenders to choose.
I've been working at my current firm for a year and a half but I don't think I can ask any of my managers to write my recommendation and I'd like to keep the application a secret at work, hence, I'm trying to get creative. Do you think the following people would be good recommenders?

1. Debate Coach
Last semester in college (2011), I joined the NYU debate team. The coach and I had a great relationship, he asked me to come back and coach the beginners after I graduated. Debate required a lot of travel so I couldn't do it for more than a semester, after which, he offered me the position of TA at NYU's debate class. I did start teaching with him (about 2 classes) when administration said I couldn't have two jobs on my current visa so I had to stop. Since then, I haven't been involved in debate, but he asks me to come judge tournaments once in a while. We still have a great relationship and he could write me a good recommendation but I'm concerned my direct involvement isn't recent enough. (?)

2. Client
He used to work at the company I am at right now but he moved over to the client side and I now work with him as a client. My only concern is would news somehow seep from him to my management who I am not imforming of my MBA plans

3. Co-worker
He worked in the same company as me at my previous job and my current job. It was due to his reference that I got my current job, but he left the company a few months in. My concerns are it's been about a year that we have not been working together and he was not working with me as a manager but as a co-worker.

4. Old Manager
I could reach out to two of my old managers - but it has been a year and a half since I left that company

Hi nm1158,
In general, schools are looking for recommenders who know the candidate very well, on the basis of an experience that is:
- As long as possible.
- As intense as possible.
- Experience that is preferably work-related.

Some important guidelines:
1. The level of excitement that the recommender demonstrates, and the reasons for this excitement (supporting examples), are most important.
2. The longer and more intense the acquaintance is, the better.
3. Recommendations that describe the candidate's background in the exact same industry name mentioned in the career plan are preferred.

For more tips and guidelines regarding recommender selection:
https://www.aringo.com/MBA_Recommendations_Process.htm
Good luck!

Hi nm1158,

You should keep in mind the following pointers while selecting a recommender

1. The more closely the recommender has worked with you the better.
2. He should be able to hi-light your skills, qualities and work ethics.
3. As mentioned before work related association is preferable.

Below article was helpful to me while selecting recommenders, hopefully it will answer some of your queries.
https://www.usnews.com/education/article ... mmendation

All the Best!!

Hi nm1158,

You should keep in mind the following pointers while selecting a recommender

1. The more closely the recommender has worked with you the better.
2. He should be able to hi-light your skills, qualities and work ethics.
3. As mentioned before work related association is preferable.

Below article was helpful to me while selecting recommenders, hopefully it will answer some of your queries.
https://www.usnews.com/education/article ... mmendation

All the Best!!