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Professional References

Professional References

Who can be a professional reference?

The LHSI application, and many internship and job applications, require contact information for two professional references. LHSI doesn't require letters of recommendation, but other applications might. You can tell your contacts not to expect us to reach out until after the application deadline.

Our application requires you to indicate how you know your references. If you don't see a relevant option, consider whether or not this person can speak to your professional work. It's fine to have some of the suggested references below and then replace them when you have more professional experiences. Many campus connections are willing to be a reference for now as you get started in your college career.

Professors and staff here on campus can be a great starting point for references. Don't be shy, get to know your professors and the staff on campus. It's their job to give references for students, just make sure you ask first. Our application reviewers question when they don't see at least one professor or staff member on your list. You can always replace these references later as you gain more professional work experience.

Your academic or career advisor has probably gotten to know you a little better since you started at IU Indianapolis. As with faculty and staff, most are willing to serve as a reference if asked. You can always replace these references later as you gain more professional work experience.

Your coworkers and supervisors at any job you've had (or long-term volunteer experience) can speak to your work ethic and quality of your work. These are great references! Make sure to ask first and keep them posted on what types of positions you're applying for so it's not a surprise if they get a phone call or email.

A student leader is an option on the LHSI application, but be very careful when choosing this one. Friends, classmates, or casual acquaintances are not appropriate references. Your TA or RA, leader of a student organization you're involved with, your student mentor, or a former LHSI intern might be appropriate references. This does not mean "friend who happens to be a student leader"; the reference must be able to speak to your work ethic and work quality through firsthand knowledge like overseeing your participation in something. As with the others, be sure to ask first and you can always replace these references later as you gain more professional work experience.

Use extreme caution on selecting "other"—just because it's an option doesn't mean you should choose it. If you have a strong professional reference that doesn't quite fit in the other categories, put it here. This does not mean your family, friends, or religious leaders (unless you worked directly for one, then list that under coworker/supervisor).

Your high school teachers and other high school references aren't the best references for applications after you've entered college. We understand that some of you are freshmen and have had limited time to develop a connection with the IU Indianapolis community. Many first-year professors and advisors are happy to serve as a reference for now. You can replace them later as you grow your network.

Reminder

Remember that identifying appropriate professional references is a key part to any job or internship application. Choose people who can speak to your work abilities and always ask if it's okay to list them as a reference (most people are happy to do this). Your reference list will grow and evolve over time. It's fine to start with a few professors and an advisor. Then as you gain experience or an internship, add in the supervisors from those positions. If you have further questions about who might be a professional reference, your career services professional can help you figure it out on a case-by-case basis.

Professional References

Who can be a professional reference?

Professor/staff member

Academic or career advisor

Coworker/supervisor

Student leader

Other

Reminder

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