Which employer to ask for a professional reference to apply for part time study

Question

I am based in the UK and have been working in industry for almost 3 years now since graduating. I have very recently left my first graduate job (no bridges burned) and have been working in a new job for the past month (both small businesses).

I have decided before that I want to study for a Master's degree. Originally I was going to do it full time but after a series of events in my personal life I have decided that part time study would be the best option for me while staying in full time employment (most likely over a 2 year period in my free time). My new employer doesn't know about this yet.

On applying for the Master's degree, the universities I am interested in require that I have a professional reference if I am in full time employment.

I am unsure who to ask for the reference. I don't know if a new employer would see me in a negative light for not mentioning this to them before starting employment with them (I don't know if some employers see this as not focusing on the current job or their business) and I would have only been working there for a few months when it is time for me to send my application.

My employment with my old boss ended on good terms. On my current work history I have been at my old place much longer than my current employer.

So my questions are:

• When applying for part time study and need a professional reference, is it better to ask my current employer or my previous employer? (who I have had the most professional experience with in my career so far).

• If for example I do ask my old employer for a reference, should I mention my part time study to my new boss?

Answer 1

Presumably your new skills/qualifications gained from study would be of additional benefit to your current employer? I would see it as a hugely positive thing if a member of my team wanted to better themselves and develop new skills that would benefit the business and would be delighted to give you a reference, I think most employers would.

Answer 2

1. Ask the university if getting a reference from your former employer is sufficient to meet their requirement. If it turns out that the university wants a reference from your current employer, it is what it is and you do what you have to do.

2. Nothing wrong with asking your current employer for a reference. Your life after work is your own business, unless you are taking some courses during your working hours, in which case, you might have to ask your current employer to accommodate you. Again, as long as you are performing competently your current job and your courses are after-hours, what you do after-hours is REALLY none of your current employer's business and they should give you the reference.