Which 3 Recommenders?

[ccc2012]

I'm applying for an MS in Computer Engineering.

I have no research experience, but I do have 4 years of work experience (including an internship):

These are my options:

• Current company: VP of Engineering -- knows me very well
  
• Current company: Engineering Manager -- my boss
  
• Current company: Fellow Engineer
  
• Last company: Plant Manager -- I worked my butt off on a project he desperately needed
  
• Internship: Manager -- my boss there, but he probably can't say much about me now
  
• School: Most professors wouldn't remember me at all. The very few who do would remember that I asked a million questions and I was passionate about the topic. But they really can't say more than that about me.
  

I know most schools want at least 1 professor, but I don't know what to do. Any help? Thanks.

[ktel]

I would try to reach out to former professors and see if they do remember you or would at least be willing to refresh their memory. If that doesn't work, then go with all work references, but you should have at least one professor.

[ccc2012]

I would try to reach out to former professors and see if they do remember you or would at least be willing to refresh their memory. If that doesn't work, then go with all work references, but you should have at least one professor.

There's one professor in particular that I had 2 classes with. I sat in front in both courses, and I showed enthusiasm/passion by asking a million questions every day. But he can't say much more about me. Is that acceptable?

[ktel]

There's one professor in particular that I had 2 classes with. I sat in front in both courses, and I showed enthusiasm/passion by asking a million questions every day. But he can't say much more about me. Is that acceptable?

It will be good enough and might have to do in this case, however I would see what other people on this forum have to say.

[ccc2012]

One of the schools I'm applying to is USC. There are two more possibilities there.

• Former Director of IBEAR MBA program at USC
  
• Current Director of IBEAR MBA program at USC
  

Both of them have been long time friends of the family. However, I'm not applying for an MBA.

For USC, would it be better to use them instead of my old Engineering professor (who barely knows me)?

For other schools, would it be better to use them or my professor?

Edited November 28, 2011 by ComtriS

[finknottle]

Man, this is a public forum. By mentioning your prospective recommender's names and your plans of "using" them, you certainly aren't helping yourself. Besides, recommendations from family friends wouldn't help much unless you did some work for them(research/internship etc.) in a professional or an academic setting.

Edited November 28, 2011 by finknottle

[ccc2012]

Man, this is a public forum. By mentioning your prospective recommender's names and your plans of "using" them, you certainly aren't helping yourself. Besides, recommendations from family friends wouldn't help much unless you did some work for them(research/internship etc.) in a professional or an academic setting.

Point taken. Since you're saying that they won't help much, I assume you're saying that my old professor (who barely knows me) is better? You have to realize my options are pretty slim.

[ktel]

A family friend is definitely a no-no unless perhaps you've actually done some work for them.