How to Get Recommendations and References

Today's blog post is offered by a graduate intern for the Office of Career Services.

When students are in college they are most often busy with their schoolwork, work or internships and having fun with friends. In between all of their priorities many students don't think of making connections with professors or supervisors which may be helpful for them in the future. Usually, after four years have passed and students want to apply to graduate schools or jobs they realize they don't know of anyone they can list as a reference or ask for a recommendation. Starting early on making connections with people that know you and your work well will allow you to reach out to these people when you are applying for graduate programs or jobs.

So how can you find someone who can give you a recommendation or agree to be your reference? The following suggestions are a few places that can be of value to you.

First, professors are a great connection to have. Can you think of a professor you had more than once? Can that professor talk about your hard work in the class, your eagerness to participate and that you stood out among the other students? If so, that's the person you ask. If you haven't had a professor more than once, think of the professor who you may have had a special connection with in terms of visiting him/her at office hours, demonstrating special interest in the class material or have assisted the professor in any way. That is another person you can ask to write you a recommendation. For some of you currently in your senior year you may think it's too late for you to make a connection with a professor but it is never too late. Work harder in your last semester to build a relationship with a professor as best as you can. For those of you who have more time than seniors to make the connection with professors, start now and don't delay! If that professor can remember you and your accomplishments in a few years, that's the professor who will write you the best recommendation.

Another place to turn in college is a faculty member, professor, or administrator who has worked with an organization you have been involved with in college. For example, do you have an adviser you turn to with questions about your student club/organization? Does that faculty member or professor know your passion to be involved in the community or your passion for a specific field? If so, that person can speak to your involvement in school and your determination to make your club visible on the campus. Additionally, that person can speak about how you were able to not only do well in your classes but also how you were able to manage your time well with an extra commitment. Further, if you have been on a research team in college, the professor who leads the research team will definitely be able to speak highly of you in a recommendation or as a reference.

Lastly, college is not the only place to look for recommendations or references. Are you currently working, interning or volunteering? If you said yes to any of these, this is another opportunity to find your recommendation or reference. If you have a supervisor, team leader or boss who can speak to your enthusiasm, eagerness to learn and contribute, as well as your hard work, that person can write you a great recommendation. Even though these people may not know how well you do in school, your contributions to the organization and hard work will allow you to demonstrate your various skills including organizational and leadership skills which are great for graduate school and future work.

Remember, it's never too late to make connections with people but also be aware that if you start early, you have more time to make connections! Be conscious of how you can build relationships with people who are able to view your hard work and determination and from that they will be able to use their knowledge to promote you in their recommendations or as references.

Do you find these topics interesting? Have you ever thought about writing a blog? If so, join our team! Please send any interests, inquiries, or articles to Cassie Sklarz at sklarz@fordham.edu. We'd love to hear from you!