What should I ask my professional recommender to write about?

[browncow]

I'm applying to divinity school master's programs, and my supervisor (for consulting work in the nonprofit health sector) has asked for some guidance on what the adcom is looking for, as well a list of key points to include. My impression is that whatever he can say about my technical research and writing doesn't carry much academic weight and should get less airtime than whatever he feels most positively about in my contributions, professionalism, and character.

 

1. Is this the right idea?

2. Are there any particular character traits or professional skills that would be worth emphasizing?

3. Would it be worthwhile or misguided to assess my ability to succeed in grad school compared to his peers in an unrelated professional program at one of these schools?

[Café com Leite]

Hey BrownCow, I wasn't going to respond and leave this for others with more "experience" to answer, but since its gone un-commented on, I thought I would throw in my 2 cents just to not leave you hanging. It is my understanding if a school specifically asks for a professional recommendation (like asking for 2 academic and 1 prof), they are not looking for the prof. rec. to be about your academic abilities, but to reflect your work habits, reliability, character, cooperative spirit with others, etc. Now, if you work for an academic journal or something along those lines, then certainly it would be great to have a reference that both addresses your work habits and academic prowess, but I think it would be a stretch to say, "he/she writes great shift reports at the end of the day, so they are probably a great writer..." (obviously it would be better phrased than that), and in focusing on academics, they may miss the actual point of a professional reference. My take is, if they wanted another assessment of your academic skill they would ask for 3 academic references, but since they ask for a professional reference (or some a pastoral reference), they are wanting to know how well rounded you are as an individual. That's my take, but its also coming from somebody who is also applying for masters programs, so take it for what its worth. I think you're right to have them focus on your contributions, professionalism, and character as your mentioned. Happy holidays!

[browncow]

Café com Leite, it is one of those situations where one of three letters is allowed to be professional, but that's not necessarily preferred. I am returning after several years of work experience, so I think a professional letter is appropriate and will go with the overall professional tack. Thanks for your response, and happy holidays to you, too.

[Café com Leite]

I completely understand, its been several years since my undergrad, so I also chose to submit a professional instead of a 3rd academic when the apps allowed that. I figured it would help to hear from somebody who has interacted with me more recently than my older academic recs. Good luck to you!

 

[Canis]

Is this for Divinity like Harvard where you'll be doing work with lots of social theory? If so, they want letters that speak to your ability to do graduate work and be successful in the program.

 

A professional referee might be in a good position to write about your ability to synthesize information, to work within an organization, and to problem solve. These are important skills for graduate students. They're not really what adcoms are looking for. But it depends on the kind of MDiv you're doing....