Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Mark C. Perna is a generational expert who covers education & careers.

Undergraduates need them for graduate-school applications; PhD students and postdocs use them to apply for fellowships and jobs; senior scientists often have to have them to apply for awards and ...

One of the most important elements of a college application is a letter of recommendation from an educator. Because college admissions offices take this part of the application seriously, it’s ...

With inflation eroding paychecks, more workers are looking for better-paying jobs — an undertaking that typically requires references from people who can vouch for your skills and character. Employers ...