Should I even continue this program?

[lowShoulder]

As of late I've been looking around for internship opportunities, and as a result, I asked a professor (1/3 of the professors in my tiny program) if I could use her as a reference on a job application. Here is what she wrote:

I'm glad that you are looking into internships. Yes, you can use me as a reference, but I must tell you, that while I think that you are very intelligent, there have been times that you have had difficulty getting work done on time and I know that you have had some difficulties with this in other classes in the program. If I am contacted, I cannot promise that I will not bring these things up if asked questions about your academic performance. I'll leave it up to you to decide if you still want to list me as a reference.

Yes, my final paper for her class was a couple minutes late, and yes, I haven't been known for being the most timely individual (I have been a few minutes late handing in projects pretty consistently) and my first semester was kind of rocky. However, I maintained a 3.7 GPA this semester, which I would hope indicates I've at least been producing quality work. I think she is entirely justified in telling prospective employers about my lack of timeliness, though.

I suppose that my main concern here is that I don't see the point in continuing this program if I can't get references from my professors. I can see myself completing all the coursework with a high GPA, but if I won't be able to get an internship (I likely won't be able to get any references if the rest of the professors think the same way about me), then I won't be able to finish requirements for getting my MS.

Edited May 8, 2012 by lowShoulder

[fuzzylogician]

How about

1. Not quitting before you even try? (you might very well still get an internship, and no one in your program will benefit from your failing)

2. Changing your professor's opinions of you by turning things in on time, and getting better references ? (is it always really just minutes late? Learn to start working on your projects earlier and finish on time. This is a valid concern.)

Edited May 8, 2012 by fuzzylogician

[pinkrobot]

Like fuzzylogician said, I think this one is turn-around-able. I'd write her back thanking her for her response, stating that I appreciate her candor and understand her reservations (which it sounds like you do!), apologizing for my past performance in this regard, and promising to rectify this aspect of my academic behavior. Then, of course, you're going to want to actually rectify this aspect of your academic behavior. I haven't been to grad school yet (entering Fall 2012), but I get the sense that it's all about growing in a million ways--if you can show, from this point forward, that this is one area in which you've grown, I imagine that would go a long way toward future recommendations.

Edited May 8, 2012 by pinkrobot

[Cici Beanz]

What everyone else said~ Don't give up! Live and learn. Good luck.

[Buckyball60]

Look for a better reference!

Edited May 8, 2012 by Buckyball60

[SeriousSillyPutty]

It's always nice when one can spin weaknesses as, "One aspect I've been working on improving is..." -- because like others said, growth is a plus. It doesn't sound like she's out to get you, and so if you start giving her proof that you're working on it, I bet she'll be happy to throw that into any potential discussion about timeliness as well. Would it be too cliche to meet with for some tips on time management? Or to meet with current professors and set an earlier deadline for upcoming papers?

[Dal PhDer]

It's always nice when one can spin weaknesses as, "One aspect I've been working on improving is..." -- because like others said, growth is a plus.

This!! Perfect!!!

I think it's always important to include a weakness in a reference letter, but spin it as this weakness is something that the student is working to overcome. It shows acceptance of criticism (we're all human), and determination and motivation to overcome a fault.

I also like pinkrobot's suggestion about your email response. I think this is key, and perhaps you could interject in there that you know this is a weakness, and have been trying to manage your time more appropriately and ensure that you make deadlines. This might make your reference maybe downplay her critique!

Good luck! Don't quit! this is a learning experience!