where to get a reference - self-employed mature student

Looking for some ideas/suggestions of where I could get a reference. My problem is that I'm 32 so getting a ref from school/college is out, and as I am self employed (have been since 2001), I'm also unable to provide an employers reference. I can't be the first person to find themselves in this situation, so how do others get around it?

Incidentally, I have emailed the uni I'm applying to (Bath Spa) for their advice, but no reply as yet.

Any ideas?

Reply 1

rachd_22

Maybe a 'friend' who knows you professionally. I'm not really sure... thats what I'd suggest though.

Reply 2

scampydoodles

Hmm... perhaps you could try and get references from financial associates, or from any societies or clubs you belong to? Alternatively, you may want to consider doing a short course at the OU to get into the university swing of things and get a reference from there. Best thing to do is phone Bath and explain your situation to them, I'm sure they will be sympathetic. Best of luck!

Reply 3

readjono

What do you want me to write... :wink:

Reply 4

mollymustard

You could ring UCAS and ask what they would advise. People on the call desks there must have to deal with similar situations all the time.

Reply 5

barefoot_boo

Thanks for the advice. :smile:

Still no reply from BathSpa, but I've called ucas explaining my situation and they've said it can be 'anyone professional' which certainly opens up my options. I'm enrolled on a couple of short courses to refresh my study skills but they don't start until April and I'm not prepared to wait until then before applying.

TBH I don't really expect to get an offer this year (I'm only applying to one uni for one course), but thought its gotta be worth a shot - nothing ventured eh? At least if they reject me I can ask them exactly why and have something definite to work on before applying next year....and if they reject me again, I'll apply the year after, and the year after, and the year after..... lol

Thanks again :smile:

Reply 6

GemmaJabowski

I'm having the same problem, I'm 26 and been self-employed for the last 5 years. I did have a full-time job as well up until a year ago but I was unfairly dismissed and had to take legal action against my employer so still got no references!! My deadline is Jan 15th and I only realised yesterday that I need a reference! Not sure what I'm going to do now and time is not on my side :frown:

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