Getting Recommendations from Professors Question?

Question

I'm seeking a recommendation from one my professor for an outstanding opportunity in our programs national organization. I'm already in the university program organization (which he approved).

I've been in contact with the national people and they are excited I want to join aboard. BUT problem is I need a recommendation from my professor/advisor and that person won't be with the university in a couple of months. New job opportunity so you can imagine how crazy that is.

I'm actually scared to ask him because someone asked him in class (innappropriate IMO) if she could get one but he didn't say anything. I don't know if that means he's just not doing any or what. Any ideas because he's the only one I can get one from ATM. If I don't get one from him I have to wait until next April. Plus he's really busy.

I REALLY REALLY want to do this and it will put me in networking with big top people and other top students. Opporunities will open

I already do have a meeting set up in the next week for something else but I will ask. Worse he can say is no but he's been working with me in the university. I want to take it further.

Answer 1

Stephanie,

I'm a professor, and many students ask me for recommendations. It's part of my responsibilities, and I'm usually happy to provide recommendations for students who have worked hard in my classes and shown strong academic or professional promise. But filling out forms and writing letters can take a lot of time.

Here are my suggestions:

1. Contact the professor in person as well as by e-mail. E-mail is easy to ignore. However, e-mail any forms that could be filled out on the computer rather than by hand.
2. Bring any paperwork to the professor with everything filled out by you, and with stamped and addressed envelopes for documents that have to be mailed.
3. Bring a copy of your current resume or vita. That will help the professor learn of your accomplishments outside the course.
4. Ask professors you've done recent coursework for, so that your good work is still fresh in their minds. If possible, bring a portfolio of some of your written work.
5. If the professor doesn't agree to write the recommendation despite following these guidelines, I'd look elsewhere. Not giving an answer is usually a polite way to avoid saying, "No, I am not going to recommend you."

If this or any other answer to your question helps you resolve this issue, please select a "best answer." This motivates people to help you and rewards their research in your behalf.

Cheers,
Bruce

Answer 2

Just ask for an appointment to speak to him. Take all necessary documents with you to the appointment regarding this opportunity. Be direct and tell him whay you and intereste in this program and how his recommendation will help you. I'm sure he will be more than willing to help a promising youg student such as you. Be confident and go and talk to him ASAP. Raja Sohaib Akhtar (grad student)

Answer 3

Go ahead and get the Prof to write you a letter/email of recommendation. Even if he may not be there in a few months, ask him to put a secondary email.

I say go ahead and try, and maybe have another prof write you a letter of recommendation just in case.

Answer 4

I would ask him one on one, in his office. No harm in asking...