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In this lesson, you’ve taken the important step of asking someone to be a reference for your professional endeavors. This involved several key tasks: creating a table in a document to organize potential references, listing their names, and composing an email to formally request their endorsement. However, it’s common for references not to respond immediately due to various reasons—they might be busy, away from their computer, or out of town. If you don’t receive a response within a week or two, it’s appropriate to follow up with another email. Should they decline your request or fail to reply within a reasonable timeframe, you can then proceed to contact the next person on your list. On the other hand, if they agree to be your reference, it’s crucial to send a thank-you email as a sign of respect and appreciation, which is always well-received.
The skills you’ve practiced in this lesson, such as organizing and managing information digitally, are invaluable in both personal and professional settings. These skills can assist in various tasks, ranging from writing a research paper for school, managing a team project at work, to keeping track of college applications. Equally important is mastering the art of writing polished and professional emails, a skill that is essential in academic and workplace environments. Being able to communicate respectfully and effectively with teachers, employers, and colleagues is a key component in achieving success, both as a student and in your future career endeavors. As you continue to pursue new opportunities, these skills will be instrumental in helping you attain your goals. Good luck!