Can an Employer Write a Letter of Recommendation for Graduate School?

The answer is yes, an employer can indeed write a letter of recommendation for a graduate school application. In fact, having a letter of recommendation (LOR) from an employer can be quite valuable, especially if the employer can speak to your professional skills, work ethic, and relevant experiences that align with your field of study.

Why an Employer’s Recommendation Matters

Employers often have a unique perspective on your professional abilities and work history. When they write a letter of recommendation, they can provide a detailed and specific account of your achievements and contributions. This can provide additional credibility to your application, especially when combined with academic letters of recommendation.

How to Request an Employer’s Recommendation

When requesting a letter from an employer, it is helpful to provide them with information about the program you are applying to, your career goals, and any specific experiences or skills you would like them to highlight. By providing this context, you can help your employer tailor the letter to better support your application. Here are some tips:

Share the application details: Provide the employer with all the necessary information about the graduate school program, including deadlines. Explain your career goals: Share your professional aspirations and how the program aligns with your future plans. Highlight relevant experiences: Mention any projects, achievements, or skills that you believe the employer can highlight specifically. Request the timeline: Inform the employer of the timeline for submitting the recommendation, as well as any deadlines.

Types of Graduate Programs and Recommendations

The type of graduate program you are applying to may dictate the types of recommendations required. For instance:

Master’s Degree Programs

For a Master’s degree program, you may need an academic referee's recommendation. However, in some cases, employers' recommendations may also be accepted, especially if they can demonstrate how your work experience relates to the program's curriculum.

On the other hand, for an MBA program, the recommendations must come from current or previous employers with whom you have worked closely. Ideally, your direct supervisor is the best fit for this role.

Check out a few examples of strong letters of recommendation at UniRely, and talk to their counselors who can assist you with the letter and the university application process.

Other Considerations

Even if an employer's recommendation is not required, it can still be valuable. For example, a person working in a retail business who has demonstrated management skills might be a strong candidate for an MBA program. Similarly, a library clerk applying for an MLIS (Master of Library and Information Science) program could provide a compelling case. These types of recommendations can demonstrate your ability to apply the subject matter in the real world.

Additionally, it is important to have at least one letter from a professor who supervised you in the past, and preferably in the subject you will be studying. This can demonstrate your ability to handle the academics and research required for the program.

Conclusion

In summary, while academic recommendations are typically the primary type of letter of recommendation required for graduate school applications, employer recommendations can also be valuable. By providing your employer with the necessary information and context, you can help them write a strong and impactful letter that can enhance your application.

Resources for Students

Please visit UniRely to access a variety of resources including examples of strong letters of recommendation and counseling services to support you through the application process.

For more information, you may also want to explore:

Examples of Strong Letters of Recommendation Counseling Services for Graduate School Applications Additional Resources for Applying to Graduate School

UniRely

UniRely offers a range of resources to help students with their graduate school applications, including examples of strong letters of recommendation and counseling services to guide you through the process. Visit their website here for more information.

Examples of Strong Letters of Recommendation

Explore the following examples of strong letters of recommendation:

Example 1 Example 2 Example 3

Counseling Services for Graduate School Applications

Contact your university's counseling center or seek out professional counseling services that can provide guidance and support during the application process. Many universities offer free counseling services to assist students.

Additional Resources for Applying to Graduate School

Explore these resources to help you with your graduate school application:

Resource 1 Resource 2 Resource 3