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!