Vanier Award - non-academic reference?

[ohsoquiet]

I just had a quick question about the non-academic reference letter for the Vanier award.  Over the past few years the only people I can think of who would be able to give me excellent letters are in academia, however I haven't always been their students.  Would it be appropriate to  have for instance my supervisor/boss as a non-academic reference as I worked for them as a lab coordinator??  They mention the following on the website:

 

"Faculty members may provide this letter, as long as they know you in a non-academic capacity and are addressing your leadership in a non-academic environment."

[TakeruK]

I think this should be fine. You probably have seen this too, right: http://www.vanier.gc.ca/eng/selection_criteria-criteres_de_selection.aspx

 

It looks like this would fall under some categories listed with "Involvement in academic life". 

 

However, if you have other people that can attest to your strengths in the other categories listed on that webpage, it might be better, because your experience as a lab coordinator could also be addressed in your academic letters of reference (since this is the crossover between academic/non-academic parts and your academic letter writers will be instructed to address all three selection criteria).

 

That is, if:

1. you have things that are more not-academic to write about, and

2. your boss/supervisor you worked for as a lab coordinator can say great things about your academic and research potential also

 

then, your application may be stronger (more breadth) if you got your leadership letter through the other non-academic thing and then use your boss/supervisor to write a very strong letter addressing your academics, research, and leadership!

 

Of course, I don't know all your details, so I can't really advise you on what is best. I am just presenting a different idea for you to consider as well. 

[ohsoquiet]

Sorry for the delayed response!  I totally see where you are coming from.  I know I can get a strong academic letter from my Masters (or current) supervisor.  I am just having difficulty thinking of someone to write the non-academic letter.  I worry because technically the lab I coordinated was in an acadmic setting (university hospital) but I was employed and not a student....

[Pudge]

I also coordinated a research lab at a hospital and asked one of my supervisors there for the leadership reference letter, and it was fine. However, he is involved  in several of the 'leadership' activities (or at least observed them) so he could comment on that aspect very well rather than just my academic and research potential. I would just make sure that this person can really comment on the leadership areas you need assessed. Can help to write out concrete examples for them.