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MBA Recommendation Issue

Application MBA recommendations
New answer on Jul 31, 2022
4 Answers
482 Views
Anonymous A asked on Jul 28, 2022

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!

(edited)

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Sofia
Expert
replied on Jul 29, 2022
Top-Ranked Coach on PrepLounge for 3 years| McKinsey San Francisco | Harvard graduate | 6+ years of coaching

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.

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Anonymous A on Jul 30, 2022

Many thanks for your comment!

Clara
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Jul 31, 2022
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

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

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Cristian
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Jul 31, 2022
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach

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

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Pedro
Expert
replied on Jul 30, 2022
30% off in March 2024 | Bain | EY-Parthenon | Roland Berger | Market Sizing | DARDEN MBA

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.

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