Non Vet Reference

[vet1234]

Hi,

I am wondering if someone could provide me clarification regarding the 3rd reference (a reference that is not a licensed veterinarian). Online, I get the impression that this reference should be someone who we have worked for, in a professional setting. It clearly states that it should not be a family member or family friend.

What if the individual who I wish to use was not my employer or a family friend. We have a unique relationship, I very much look up to her. She is a very successful businesswoman, and one of the reasons I have never worked for her is because her field is not related to mine. 

I'm wondering if someone like this, more of a mentor, is okay to use as a reference. 

[probnotovc]

I am also wondering about this, because I want to use an academic reference from a professor I really looked up to however I am worried I should be using a professional reference...

[Deleted]

How could they act as your referee if they've never worked with you?

[Come On Now]

Jan 14, 2017 17:31:47 GMT -5 probnotovc said:

I am also wondering about this, because I want to use an academic reference from a professor I really looked up to however I am worried I should be using a professional reference...

A professor is almost certainly fine... You are freaking out for no reason



Whereas for the OP... it sounds like it falls into the friend category

[vet1234]

Jan 14, 2017 19:00:50 GMT -5 @tabello2610 said:

How could they act as your referee if they've never worked with you?

A lot of people would be able to write a reference without having worked with you. One example is profs. I know a lot of people that are using profs as references for med school, vet school or grad school applications. With that being said, it sounds like the OVC does want a reference from someone that has worked with you in a professional setting, but that's why I was asking.