<p>I clearly need to get a few more things together before I apply to graduate school, but I'm afraid of losing the few references I have.</p>
<p>One in particular is the woman who supervised me during an internship at a hospital (I'm planning on pursuing clinical psychology). I read online somewhere that you can ask for a general letter of rec, and then store it - then when the time comes to apply, contact the person and ask them to update the letter if necessary.</p>
<p>Or are you just supposed to wait until you're actually in the applying process to ask? I'm just nervous if it takes me 1-2 years to apply, she may forget who I am or what my performance in the hospital was like.</p>
<p>Check with the career counseling office at your undergraduate institution. Some will store recommendations for a certain amount of time after graduation. Career services often extend to alumni.</p>
<p>Mostly, though, people ask for recommendations when they need them. Unfortunately, sometimes it’s difficult to track people down, especially outside of academia where people tend to change jobs more often. I suggest telling her now that you expect to apply to graduate school in a year or two and would like her to write a recommendation. This serves two purposes: 1. she will likely remember you when you contact her later and 2. she might jot down a few notes now. </p>
<p>Professors rarely forget top students, even years later, so I assume it would be the same outside of academia.</p>