Referees - How to approach the employer?

[iamito]

Hi everyone,

Two quick questions for those of you who have already applied to an MBA/MiF/...:

1 - When the time came to ask your employer or colleague for a reference letter, how did you approach the matter?

2 - And what reaction did you receive?

I ask this because I'm planning to apply soon to an MiF and my employer is not aware of this. I know that he will be upset when I inform him of my decision (and when I request for a reference letter), as I joined his team 2 years ago as an Analyst and I believe, from past appraisals and the training I've received, that he would want me to continue in his team (or department).

I know how to approach a client meeting or a job interview, but I've never been in a position where I needed to ask someone to provide me with a reference letter which would potentially mean my departure from the team.

I hope you understand my dillema and spare a few minutes to share your experience. If this topic has already been covered in the forum or anywhere else, please let me know where I can find the thread/website.

Many thanks!
iamito