Non-clinical supervisor LOR?

[Hastur]

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So I had this job for a historical nonprofit, for about a year and a half, which was not related to medicine or science but involved both office/organizational duties and working with people, in a role of authority, in high pressure situations. I'm detailing it as an EC because I feel like a lot of the skill set is transferable to medicine.

Is it worth submitting an LOR from my superior in this job? (It's also worth mentioning that he's a professional writer, so if I do ask him I'm likely to get a letter that really shines. I just want to make sure that "work supervisor, non-medical" isn't automatically looked on as a stupid LOR.)

 

[mauberley]

So I had this job for a historical nonprofit, for about a year and a half, which was not related to medicine or science but involved both office/organizational duties and working with people, in a role of authority, in high pressure situations. I'm detailing it as an EC because I feel like a lot of the skill set is transferable to medicine.

Is it worth submitting an LOR from my superior in this job? (It's also worth mentioning that he's a professional writer, so if I do ask him I'm likely to get a letter that really shines. I just want to make sure that "work supervisor, non-medical" isn't automatically looked on as a stupid LOR.)

I probably wouldn't get it. It would only be worth something if this job were a part of a career you were switching away from, but even so, only a year and a half isn't much in those circumstances.

 

[music2doc]

I tend to agree that this will not be valuable at most schools; HOWEVER, you should get it because there are certain schools that DO want an LOR from your current work supervisor (regardless of the job). I personally used a physician letter on these because I work in the hospital setting, but for someone outside that setting, any college-educated supervisor would likely do.

 

[mauberley]

I tend to agree that this will not be valuable at most schools; HOWEVER, you should get it because there are certain schools that DO want an LOR from your current work supervisor (regardless of the job). I personally used a physician letter on these because I work in the hospital setting, but for someone outside that setting, any college-educated supervisor would likely do.

True about the work thing, but the OP used "had" so I assume it's not current. (I also really hope the OP would have researched LOR requirements for the schools he/she's applying to and would know if it's a necessity. 🙂)

 

[Hastur]

It's not current but it IS very recent (I worked there until late last year.)

I might add, one of the things that is making me lean toward asking him is that he's also a friend of mine who has known me since 2004.

 

[mauberley]

It's not current but it IS very recent (I worked there until late last year.)

I might add, one of the things that is making me lean toward asking him is that he's also a friend of mine who has known me since 2004.

To respond to something you said initially: no, it's not automatically looked on as stupid. My general advice with respect to questions of "should I get a letter from this person?" where "this person" is a non-academic source is to consider what additional viewpoint the person brings to the table and whether you feel the effort you are going to put to secure the letter is worth it. Only you can answer that, not us. We don't know what you did at that job beyond what you're revealing. Since it sounds like you want to get it, go ahead. At worst it adds no value to your file (presuming your friend writes a strong, positive letter).

It's fair to note that if letters testifying to your non-academic abilities were necessary, they would be required by schools. Since they're generally not, it's entirely at your discretion to provide them.

 

[Hastur]

To respond to something you said initially: no, it's not automatically looked on as stupid. My general advice with respect to questions of "should I get a letter from this person?" where "this person" is a non-academic source is to consider what additional viewpoint the person brings to the table and whether you feel the effort you are going to put to secure the letter is worth it. Only you can answer that, not us. We don't know what you did at that job beyond what you're revealing. Since it sounds like you want to get it, go ahead. At worst it adds no value to your file (presuming your friend writes a strong, positive letter).

I guess that about answers my question. If it won't make me look like a complete maroon to have such a letter in there, I may as well go ahead and ask. Thanks!

 

[LizzyM]

If this guy was a friend first and a supervisor later, I would proceed with great caution. Letters from long time friends are suspect because they are assumed to be biased.

 

[Hastur]

Thanks, LizzyM. (Wow! A living legend answered my post!) Hmm, things to think about. I guess maybe I'll just leave this be unless one of my first-tier letter writers falls through.