<p>I have a B.S. in Electrical Engineering but am planning to apply for an M.S. in Supply Chain. I want to get into supply chain and after talking to a lot of people, a Masters in the area seems like the best way to really break into it.</p>
<p>The thing is, I am not sure how to ask for recommendations from former professors. It may be confusing to them as to why I am asking an Electrical Engineering professor to write a recommendation letter for something completely unrelated to E.E.</p>
<p>Other related considerations:</p>
<p>1) Academic LoRs are the only LoRs I can go with, by the way. Even though I have been working as an Electrical Engineer for 2.5 years (since graduation), no one at my current company would be supportive of me leaving to pursue another field. </p>
<p>2) Given that I never really got to know any professors on a more personal level coupled with the fact that I am looking for these LoRs about 2.5 after graduating, I am not looking for anything groundbreaking. In other words, I am really expecting nothing more than: "He got an A in my class...insert filler here...the end."</p>
<p>3) I never took any business classes besides the basic Macro and Micro Econ classes that everyone takes, so looking for relevant recommendations is out of my grasp.</p>
<p>4) Taking non-degree classes is out of the question because I would have to quit my current job to accommodate these courses. As much as I dislike my current job, I need it to pay bills and make student loan payments right now.</p>
<p>If you’ve been in industry for several years, your professors may not recall who you are. Try to figure out professors who you believe were closer to you during your undergrad years. More likely than not, you’re probably off campus, so e-mail will have to do. I’ve heard that you should introduce yourself as a former student and talk about what you have done in the past and what you wish to do and why you want to do it. Can you ask from your UG advisor? </p>
<p>Can you take non-degree classes part-time? I know that some people choose to take graduate classes while at FT work.</p>
<p>If you are even on semi-good terms with the professor, you will have genericly written not-bad letters of rec. When you go meet with them during office hours, talk with them a little about why you are making the switch (I’m sure there’s a reason!) and any memories you have of them in class, as well as any memorable conversations you have had with them, ever. Bring old exams/projects of your work in their class, as well as a current resume. Like you already identified, these won’t be stellar or fantastic, but they’ll do.</p>
<p>1) I can’t say that I was “close” to any professors. I wasn’t involved in research or even that vocal of a student. My main concern in college was getting a job upon graduation. I didn’t figure out what I really wanted to do with my life until recently. If I had known back then, I would have gotten to know profs and probably would have gotten LoRs before graduation.</p>
<p>2) The deadlines are fast approaching, so I don’t have the time available to take any non-degree business or supply chain classes. Plus, the classes available here are during the day on weekdays, and I have to work.</p>
<p>In that case, I would call first and then follow-up with a email with all materials if they agree to write you a strong LoR. I think the conversation will be more natural and helpful, as opposed to an email. Plus, you can gauge tone of voice over the phone (which you can’t do in email) that would help determining how willing they are to do it.</p>