Hi! I am looking for guidance on whether it is appropriate to include a customer letter of recommendation in my law school applications.
For context, I am a manager and run a before- and after-school program that becomes a summer camp in the summer. I have been in childcare for about 10 years and have been with my company for the last 5 years. I grew within the company, starting as a counselor, then assistant manager, and now I run the program and handle hiring for my entire area (over 10 schools), including interviews, background checks, DCF clearance, etc.
I have built a professional relationship with the family that has been in the program since shortly after I started. The dad even tried to recruit me to work for the school district where he is employed. He offered to write me a law school letter of recommendation after hearing that this is my last year at my job. Can I even accept that?
Please let me know your thoughts because I am not sure if I am even allowed!
2 comments
From the admission standpoint, I'd really encourage you to try and get academic and professional (ie, people who have supervised you) letters first. If academic letters are off the table since it sounds like you've been working for a long time, I'd encourage you to get at least two letters from folks who have managed or supervised you. I'd only use a rec from a customer as a "break glass in case of emergency" move if you simply cannot find another recommender.
I hope that helps!
Thank you, Jacob!!