Who are the best people to ask for a reference letter from?

Question

If you had to ask 3 people to write you a reccommendation letter for a Masters program, who would you ask, considering that you have a unstable job history with unstable job relationships, and it is hard to get in contact with the people you interned with...

Answer 1

Unless it is a very clinical master's program, the preference of most masters programs would be that most of your reference letters come from your former professors. Keep in mind that they are more concerned with your ability to succeed in their program than they are with how well you have done in your prior jobs. I would think that exceptions might exist in fields like education, in which the graduate programs have a sense of responsibility NOT to put out teachers who, even if outstanding in the classroom, are irresponsible when dealing with kids.

Answer 2

I have been in a very similiar situation. I have not thought ahead very often when it comes to needing refernces down the road and have kinda put myself in a hole so to speak. THis is what I did. I went to a job councellor to help me deal with my unstable job history and lack of references, they put me through a college course for microsoft certification, and I also went to a few local agencies to help build my self-esteem. I now how the college professors, councillors and workshop staff as references to show I am trying to make my life better. I have also been working in a volunteer capacities at several places and have the people in charge of these programs as references. The thing you must remember is that you will have to work very hard to change perceptions and you must remember that everyone you come across is a potential reference. Act accordingly. Be mature and even if you don't like someone or something, pay backs really are a b@#$$. So suck it up and impress everyone. You don't have to socialize with them, but you do have to show respect for everyone especially if you want to get respect back to you. Good Luck my friend. If I can do it, then I know you can. I am a Leo and I speak my mind ALOT and it has burned me a few times. Learn to play the game of suck it up!