References for MSW

[waterjug]

I was wondering what types of references are appropriate for MSW. For instance, I work at a shelter and many of my supervisors and other staff members do not have college degrees. This is paid human services experience; how much does educational background from a reference matter? Also, when is it appropriate to ask an instructor for a reference?..... I hold a BA but have recently started taking courses at a local community college for a substance abuse certificate. I plan on applying for a few MSW deadlines stating in March.

 

Also, any advice regarding reference attainment will be greatly appreciated!

 

Thank you

 

WaterJug

[Cagedthestudent]

If you have to ask such a question. You're probably not ready fro grad school. Sorry.

[LittleDarlings]

My recommendations came from 2 professors and a former internship supervisor.  I personally would ask them early, I got 2 of my applications in today I am all about doing things early or somewhat early I guess.  If you have deadlines in March start now because the personal essay will take the longest and you never know how long you will have to wait on recommendations, I had to send out about 3 emails to one professor because he was just taking so long.  Good luck!

[louise86]

I think a letter from your supervisor at the shelter is fine regardless if she/he doesn't have a college degree. I've actually found it common in my area for a lot of those working in nonprofits to not have degrees but that may be because it is a rural area. Plus, I'm not sure how the schools you are applying to would even know if your supervisor has a degree or not. I would think how long the person has been supervising you and what they say about your performance much more important.

 

You should ask for academic references now. Sometimes it can take a while for them to submit it and the holidays, finals, end of semester, etc are all coming up soon and that could cause a delay as instructors are busy. 

 

Good luck!

[iphi]

I think that for a discipline such as Social Work a recommendation from work experience you have in the field is perfectly appropriate. The fact that your supervisor(s) may not have a college degree is completely irrelevant (how would AdComms know that?!) as long as they write you a good/appropriate letter. Coach them correctly about what goes into a recommendation for a graduate program and make sure they are willing to write effusively about your good qualities and you should be fine! Most places want at least 2 academic references, but a 3rd showing that you have practical experience in the field and did it well? That's valuable too!

[alesso]

Does it matter if it confidential?

[lola9900]

Some schools require you to waive confidentiality before they will accept a letter of reference.  So, it depends on the school that you are applying to.  I went ahead and waived mine and my references sent me a copy of the letter directly to my email anyway (without my asking).  You could wave confidentiality and ask your recommender if they will send you a copy of the letter for your files (if you feel comfortable doing so), or they might send you a copy anyway.