For many students and new graduates, the request for professional references can be a source of anxiety. Lacking an extensive history of full-time employment, the pool of potential candidates to speak on your behalf can seem small. This often leads to the question of using a professor for this role. Understanding when and how to approach a professor is an important step in building a compelling application.
The Role of a Professional Reference
A professional reference is an individual who can speak to your capabilities and character in a work-related context. Their purpose is to provide an objective, third-party validation of the claims made on your resume and during interviews. Hiring managers contact references to confirm your skills, reliability, and work ethic. They want to hear specific examples of how you have demonstrated qualities like time management, problem-solving, and collaboration. A reference’s assessment of your performance helps an employer project how you might function within their organization.
When to Use a Professor as a Reference
Using a professor is most appropriate when your academic experience is your most relevant experience, especially for recent graduates with limited work history. This is particularly true if you are pursuing a position directly related to your field of study. For instance, a biology major applying for a laboratory assistant role would be well-served by a reference from their genetics professor.
A professor is also an excellent reference for applications to internships, fellowships, or graduate school programs, where academic performance is a primary consideration. The deciding factor is whether the professor can attest to skills that are transferable to the workplace, such as analytical abilities from a research project or communication skills from a presentation.
Choosing the Right Professor
The best choice for a reference is not necessarily the most distinguished professor, but rather the one who knows you best. A professor in whose class you earned a high grade is a good starting point, as it indicates a grasp of the subject matter.
A stronger option is an instructor you’ve had for multiple courses or in a small seminar setting, as they have had more opportunity to observe your work. A thesis advisor or a faculty member you assisted on a research project is an even better choice. They can provide detailed, specific examples of your skills in action, moving beyond just your performance on exams. Choose a professor with whom you developed a positive rapport and who would recognize your name.
How to Ask for the Reference
Approaching a professor for a reference requires professionalism. Ask for their permission well in advance, providing at least two weeks’ notice before any deadline to allow them adequate time to prepare. The request should be made politely, either in person during their office hours or via a well-crafted email.
To help them provide the best possible reference, furnish them with a “reference packet” containing your current resume, the job description, and a link to the company’s website. It is also helpful to include a brief reminder of your work in their class, such as a major paper or project you completed. This context equips them with the specific information needed to tailor their comments.
When you make the request, it is wise to give them an easy way to decline. Phrasing the question as, “Would you feel comfortable serving as a positive reference for me?” allows them to opt out if they don’t feel they know you well enough to speak confidently about your abilities. After they agree, be sure to send a thank-you note and keep them informed about the outcome of your application.
Potential Drawbacks and Alternatives
While a professor can be a suitable reference, there are potential downsides. An academic reference cannot speak to your performance in a traditional corporate environment, as a professor’s knowledge is limited to a classroom or lab setting. This may not translate perfectly to the demands of a specific job, and some employers may prefer a former manager.
If a professor doesn’t seem like the right fit, there are strong alternatives to consider. Supervisors from internships or co-op programs are excellent choices because they have observed you in a professional capacity. Managers from part-time jobs can attest to your reliability and work ethic, and volunteer coordinators can speak to your commitment and teamwork skills.