Applying to Statistics PHD Programs in Fall 2012 - Need advice

[geekman]

Hello everyone and thanks in advance for the advice. First of all, here is a quick background on myself:

Top 40 Undergrad School - Mathematics Major - GPA 3.5

Top 25 Masters Program in Statistics - GPA 3.4

Passed Actuary Exam P

GRE Scores: 800 Quant, 490 Verbal, 4.5 Analytical Writing

Not much real research - have a few papers from my Masters program, but nothing published.

Have one strong rec. letter from Professor in my Masters, one weak letter from Professor during Undergrad.

Here is my dilemma:

I decided to take this year off to work, but I definitely would like to go for a PHD in Statistics next year (Fall 2012). I am trying to think of ways to strengthen my application, and how to get a recommendation letter without actually being in school. The problem is that I will be working full time, and I can't exactly tell my job that I plan on leaving in a year. Any advice or similar stories are greatly appreciated!!