Preparation for a career at the conclusion of your studies has already begun, to the extent that you have chosen a specific program and major.
In applications for employment or graduate study, you will be asked to furnish LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION, usually from faculty who know you well enough to offer an opinion about your qualifications. It should be understood that such recommendations are earned, rather than automatically provided. These are not form letters, at least when they are effective; they require thought and time. Asking professionally and respectfully when you request such letters is the best way to assure a positive recommendation. This entails timely notice and additional information as will be helpful to the writer.
For employment opportunities, a description of the job and associated duties is essential. For graduate study, you should provide samples from your portfolio as well as any statements you intend to submit with your application. Also include of list of schools with deadlines and a couple of lines as to why each school interests you. Most graduate programs utilize on-line application protocols, thus recommenders must visit each site and upload information and letters. Asking a teacher to provide letters to multiple schools on short notice is not professional and will likely result in a less enthusiastic recommendation.
It should go without saying that asking for a letter from a teacher who doesn’t know you is not the best idea. If you haven’t worked with a teacher for a few years, make an appointment to share recent work. Graduate programs are generally smaller and they usually have distinguishing strengths. Do your homework to ascertain which program is right for you. Before asking faculty to write on your behalf, schedule conversations with a few teachers; they can often help you determine which schools would be appropriate.
Give Thanks: Send a sincere thank you note; remember that your recommender took time from his/her busy life to do you a big favor. Also, let your reference know when you hear about your application, whether or not you got the position or entry into the program. This will let the recommender feel like s/he is participating in your future.
ADDITIONAL SUGGESTIONS from the University of Washington at Bothell