Recommendations: A Question of Ethics

[briangtsmith]

With my two recommendations nailed down, I was pretty pumped...until today.

I began thinking about the schools I'm applying to, mainly UCLA and USC. The strong focus on real estate, tourism/hospitality, and Asian business these programs provide has positioned them at the top of my wish list.

Perhaps most strikingly similar about these programs is that they are located in California. I currently am not.

One recommendation is from a past supervisor at Disney, so no problem here. The other, however, is from my current supervisor...at my current job....in New York.

I have not informed my work I am hoping to attend a full-time program. Is it unethical to avoid this subject? Of course, I am also applying to NYU and Columbia, so there is a chance I may stay at my company. But if all breaks right and I gain admittance into UCLA or USC, I'd prefer to go there.

What are the expectations in a case such as this?

Thank you in advance!

[beatthegmatinsept]

I am going to have a similar issue, and was wondering about that too.
I am expecting a promotion in a few months, and if I tell my direct supervisor that I am more interested in schools outside of the state that I am currently in, it might hamper my promotion. (I am almost positive it will, since they'd have no incentive of promoting me if I am goingto leave the company within 6 months).
Not sure what the best way to go in a situation like that is?

[briangtsmith]

Glad I'm not alone here...anybody have an idea of what's "right"?

Thanks!

[jaskaran]

Its funny you started this thread, I faced the exact same dilemma, I was up for a promotion in 3 months and an appraisal in a month, I quit and joined my family business, but requested my superiors (onshore client team) at work that I would be needing their recommendation, they were understanding and said they would be happy to oblige.

I know, if your planning to stay in the same organization, its a very delicate situation, but one that has to be handled, but I think you can also explain your position to the b-schools, you would still need a minimum of 2 reco's though!

[InkyBinky]

I don't think your ethical obligations extend beyond your agreements with your employer. If you agreed to give a month's notice, then be sure to do so. Besides that, you're not bound to be their employee (unless you have a long-term contract) and it's never unethical to quit unless you have some sort of stated obligation to them. I think it's definitely tricky when it comes to asking for recommendations. But I would imagine that, since asking for one could endanger your current work prospects, that schools would accept alternatives. I would be sure to call and ask.