What if I have no academic references?
Asked by acnemycin
My degree is a Life Science degree, (with merit, no honours) and while trying to search for related job fields, particularly in research/laboratory work. I keep seeing the instructions to 'Send in your CV with at least 2 references to ... ' But I dont have any at all! What do I do? Am I doomed to never get those jobs? I only have 'character reference', if that is what it's called, my manager from my previous job. But I don't know any professors n such for the particular job field I am looking at.. Those jobs I am looking at aren't heading research teams, just a simple laboratory based technologist or sometimes doubling as a research assistant. So what can I do in this case? Thanks ahh thanks for the correct term. and i did not go thru any internship during my course, it wasnt planned in the course. and our professors/lecturers change every 6 months, plus well, blame myself here, i was still very naive and did not think about the future then, so i did not bother about getting to know those professors and etc..

Best Answer:
Surely there must be two teachers who know your work, have assessed your ability since you sat through their courses, and are willing to vouch for you? The references have to be from your school. Call some of your old professors and ask for permission to use them as academic references. Did you hold an internship during your educational years? Perhaps the person who supervised your internship will agree to be a reference? Your old boss is a professional reference, not a character reference. You worked there-that is what the supervisor would talk about--your attitude, your work product, your work ethic. A character reference is an old friend.

*the head/dean of the academic department *associate professors *department secretaries (that's if they know you..I'm just throwing ideas around..) I agree with the first post. There must have been some professor that has been consistent in your academic education. Was there one professor that really took notice of your work? If there was, you could ask the administrator of your school the name of the professor and a contact email or phone number. You can contact that professor and ask permission if you can use him/her as a professional reference.
Answered by Saiyuki_Anyone?