Is a professor a professional reference? – Professors’ professional referees

A professional reference is the main requirement when you apply to any company. They act as referrals who know your working ethics, talent, qualities, etc that are required for the job role. They can be anyone who knows you professionally. As a fresher, you only know your professors who are professionals. However, the question is if the professor is a professional reference or not.

Quick Takeaways

• Professional references are referrals from someone who knows you professionally.
• You can use your professors who are teaching the subject related to the field of your career as your professional reference. 
• Following are the steps to use your professor as a professional reference-

1. Choosing the professor
2. Asking for permission
3. Provide them with proper information
4. Thanking letter to your professor

However, you must read till the end so that you get a better understanding of who is a professional reference.

What is a professional reference?

The position of your professional referee might be filled by a variety of people. Professional references are referrals from someone who knows you professionally. They are aware of your work ethic, strengths, talent, etc that can help you to get the position. A professional reference is usually a previous employer, a consumer, a teammate, or an instructor. You should mention the names of your references, as well as their contact information when you are using references. Some employers may request a letter of recommendation from your references that describes your work-related abilities.

Is a professor a professional reference?

Yes, professors who are teaching the subject related to the field of your career can act as professional references. Professors are the people who are most likely to help their students by being their references. They can give great assistance especially when you have worked with them outside the classroom. Most of the freshers use their professors as professional references to get into the job. Remember that there may be professors that may not feel comfortable becoming your reference as they don’t have good relations. Therefore, you must remain in the good books of your professors. Further, if you want them to be your reference, take your appointment first and then ask for their help.

How to use your professor for professional references?

As a fresher, you may want to use your professor as a professional reference. Following are the tips for you to get help from them-

1. Choosing the professor

Choosing the professor is the first decision you need to make when you are considering choosing them as your reference. You may have good relations with more than one professor so it becomes your responsibility to choose which one is perfect for you. Try to consider the subject requirements of the job and then decide which professor to choose. Try to talk to at least two professors, so that if the first professor is not willing to help you, you can go for the second one. However, you must remember that when the professor is not ready to become a professional reference, you can not complaint about them.

2. Asking for permission

You must take permission from your professor before giving their reference. This is important because if you have not taken the permission of your professor, chances are they might not get connected with the employee. Also when you take permission, it becomes easy to get the proper details of your professor that you need to mention along with the reference name.

3. Provide them with proper information

You must give your teachers proper information about the company where you are applying for the job. It is their authority to know about the company which will be connecting with them. You should give them all the information that may be required while contacting the employee. Even if the professor is bad at teaching they still may be interested in where you are working. Thus providing them with proper information is really important.

4. Thanking letter to your professor

Once your professor has done his/her job, you must send an email to your professor showing your gratitude towards them and do not forget to end the email by thanking them for the help. Tell them how pleased you are with them and what they have done for you. If you are selected after their reference, send the appreciation letter to them. 

Who can be a professional reference?

As we read above your professors can be your professional references as they can see your GPA. But in this part of the article, we will learn about the other people who can be your professional references-

1. Clients

Clients are the people with whom you have worked before. You may take testimonials from them once you have completed their work. When you purchase something online you first look for feedback on it. In the same way, testimonials act as feedback from your clients that helps to know the quality of your work. They are very important especially if you are looking for freelance work. 

2. Former employee

If you have previously worked for someone, you can give his/her reference. Your previous employee has a good knowledge of your work ethic and has also examined you professionally.

3. Colleagues

Your colleague at your previous work could again act as a great reference. They have worked closely with you and know your skills and abilities. Your colleagues are also well aware of how you work within the team.

4. Friends/family members

You can choose your friend or a family member as your reference only if he is a professional. He or she should explain your passion and professional character to your employer. They must know how you work as a professional.

Conclusion

When you apply to any company, you must provide a professional reference. They serve as referrals because they are familiar with your work ethic, talent, and other traits that are essential for the position you have applied for. Although you don’t have anyone who knows you professionally as a fresher. Therefore, you can use your professor as your professional reference. The article tells you how you can use your professor as a professional reference and provides a list of other professionals who can help you provide references.