MBA Recommendation Issue

Question

Dear all,

I am going to apply to some of the major MBA programs in the US and have an issue with the choice of the "right" recommender.

Background.
My first recommendation will be from my current direct supervisor in a company where I work full-time. That is clear.
I have cofounded an NGO a couple of years ago and achieved some impressive results in my community (non-paid extracurricular work, in fact). I would like to get my second recommendation from the other cofounder. In essence, he is the core co-founder and more senior to me in every dimension (age, position in the NGO to name a few). I am actually his deputy. Aslo, he is not my relative or something like that.

The questions are:
1. Will Admissions Commities really trust my second recommendation? (I mean sort of conflict of interests as he formally another cofounder, though more senior one).
2. Will I completely dispel doubts when I mention that he is, in fact, my direct superviser in the NGO? (He is the Executive Director, while I am his deputy). This is as thuth as the fact that we are both cofounders.
3. I might not mention that I am not a cofounder just to make life easyer.

Many thanks in advance!

Answer 1

Hello,

To answer your questions:

1. Will Admissions Commities really trust my second recommendation? (I mean sort of conflict of interests as he formally another cofounder, though more senior one).

I don't think this has to be an issue, particularly if he clearly explains the working relationship between yourself and himself in the letter, and makes it clear that there is a mentoring dynamic/seniority dynamic in partnership. In fact, it's great that you'd be getting a recommendation from someone you work very closely with, as he likely knows your work style very well.

2. Will I completely dispel doubts when I mention that he is, in fact, my direct superviser in the NGO? (He is the Executive Director, while I am his deputy). This is as thuth as the fact that we are both cofounders.

Totally fine if you explain it. Your recommender should also explain this in his letter.

3. I might not mention that I am not a cofounder just to make life easyer.

I wouldn't do this - cofounding a successful NGO is an impressive accomplishment, and you will want the admissions committee to recognize all the hard work you have put in.

Answer 2

I don't see a problem with your first or second recommendations, they're perfectly fine.

I don't see a need (nor a benefit) to remove your cofounder title. That's what you did, so you should keep it, no reason to devalue oneself.

Answer 3

Hi there,

No, this shouldn't be an issue. Just make sure you communicate to them that he is more senior (as you mentioned, in all aspects), and that should be sufficient.

Best,

Cristian

Answer 4

Hello!

Crazy coincidences!

I did my MBA at MIT Sloan after McK, and also used recommendation letters from my NGO, Building their Future!

Feel free to reach out if you have more doubts, I would 1000% recommend you to show that original side of you. Most MBA applications are just the same!

Cheers,

Clara