References & Recommendation Letters

Employers may request references or recommendation letters as part of your application — especially for internships, competitive programs, fellowships, or roles where character and work ethic matter. Knowing how to request and manage these effectively is key to professional success.

What's the Difference?

References:

Names and contact details of people who can vouch for your skills and character. Employers may contact them for verbal feedback.

Recommendation Letters:

Written letters provided at the time of application, often outlining your strengths and suitability for the role.

Both tools are about your credibility — and how others speak about your potential.

Who Makes a Good Referee?

Choose someone who can speak to your:

Work ethic
Communication and teamwork
Leadership or project skills
Reliability and character

Good options:

Internship supervisors
Faculty who oversaw your projects or capstones
Faculty you took more than 1 course with (provided you performed well in the course)
Volunteer coordinators

Avoid choosing family members or personal friends.

How to Ask for a Reference or Letter

Be professional, polite, and clear.

What to include in your request: