Getting references from lecturers.

Running Bing

I need to get a reference from a university lecturer, the problem is I dont really know any. There is one or two I was thinking of approaching but they wouldnt really know me beyond my academic record or one or two brief conversations. Is it alright to ask if I can put them down as a referee? Has anyone done this before? Thanks.

How about your tutor? Get on with him/her well?

Is this for research funding?

Stargal

What's it for? If it's an application for a Masters then you'll more than likely need actual written references from the lecturer.

The best thing to do is to go up and ask them in person, so that they at least have a better idea of who you are, and it may jig some memories that they have of you in class. Afterwards, send them an email with details on your academic results (1st - 3rd year, average so far this year, grades from their course) and anything else that might be relevant for the reference.

Running Bing

Myth wrote:

How about your tutor? Get on with him/her well?

Is this for research funding?

My tutor is a Dr. Brian Lucey. Unfortuneately Ive never heard, seen or spoke to the man:( No idea who Prof Drudy is so I assume I dont have him for anything. As to what it's for its just for a summer job. Its actually highly unlikely they will use it but it specifacally says a university lecturer and I wouldnt put someones name down without asking. Its moreso just to put someones name down rather than needing an actual reference tbh.

gilroyb

What year are you in? If you're final year and doing a dissertation, then ask them. or if you're 3rd year and have an idea who you'd want for your dissertation, and they're your lecturer for a subject now, then ask them as a way to get your face known.

Most people are in the same situation as yourself when it comes to references, and lecturers are used to being asked by people. Pick a lecturer who you think might at least recognise your face and ask them. Though if the reason they'd recognise you is because you fell asleep in their class or something, then best choose again. Just use common sense when picking the person and approach them personally.

Stargal

In that case just send an email to the lecturer that you know the best (and preferably one in a subject that you're getting decent grades!) and let him know that you're putting his name down on an application, that they probably won't get in touch, but just in case here's a summary of your grades and relevant extra-curricular activity.

europerson

Babybing wrote:

No idea who Prof Drudy is so I assume I dont have him for anything.

That was just Ibid being silly. Prof. Drudy is the kind of man who would happily give anyone, as in anyone, a reference, perhaps after a quick chat about GDP, marriage and Keynesianism.

Awayindahils

europerson wrote:

That was just Ibid being silly.

That is all.

Andrew 83

If it's for a summer job I'm sure they won't really require much and it really will be as simple as just asking one of your lecturers and telling them what it's for.

When applying for postgrads in final year I found getting references easy enough - your classes will be smaller so most of your lecturers should know you pretty personally (well I suppose it probably depends on your course but I think that's broadly the case).

hunnymonster

Any of your lecturers will be able to write you a reference. The most usual practice for a final year who needs two references would be to get one from whoever you did your project/disseration with and the other from your head of school. As you're not at that stage yet, just ask for whoever you think looks cheerful as they're likely to write a good one. Send an e-mail asking if you can meet with them as you'd like a reference and fee you should introduce yourself in person. Say a line or two about what the job is for and attach a copy of your cv so the person can actually figure out who you are. Try to be professional about it. The lecturer will have access to your academic transcript so can refer to your academic brillance in the note.