Letters of recommendation for adult learner

Parents Forum
1

I am looking to go back to college but am an adult learner rather than traditional learner. I have about 15 years of work experience under my belt. In order to get accepted by a college, I will need to ask several people to write & upload a letter of recommendation on my behalf to the school.

I am wondering who are some people I should ask. At my company, managers are not permitted to write letters of recommendation, so that’s out. I can ask other people that I work with. I am a member of Club “A” and might be asked to do a leadership position with Club “A”, and may be able to get a letter of recommendation from Club “A”. Other than that, I don’t know a lot of people.

I find it a bit awkward to ask coworkers, so I’m really scratching my head. The Letter of Recommendation requirement is the most awkward part of going back to school in my opinion.

2

Here’s where I would look for references in your situation.

  1. accomplished, experienced coworkers or former coworkers (who can attest to your contributions, ability, work habits, etc.)
  2. former supervisors (people you worked with or for)
  3. people who know you professionally -- any clubs, societies, or just people from other companies who you interacted with professionally; people you have met in some context so that person can describe your role and contributions, personality, and so forth.

Your letter writers would be similar to what’s expected of applicants to MBA programs.

3

Try asking this question in the non-traditional students forum. Good luck!

4

I am a PhD employee who is overqualified for my current job and works in a setting where I am not management. Many of my colleages who want to go an earn masters or doctoral degrees have asked me to write recommendations for them over the years. It is very likely that there are colleagues of yours who would be great recommenders for you.

Finding recomenders is always a challenge. My own kid, a great student, is trying to find recommenders for internships she wants to apply for. She is a great student, but it is hard to stand out to professors in large classes that come with early freshman and sophomore classes. So, you arent alone in struggling with this need. Good luck!.