Letters of Reference

The Institute for Strategy, Technology, and Organization (ISTO) provides academic letters of reference for students who have attended courses at the Institute and are applying to universities, graduate programs, or scholarships.

Letters of reference are addressed to the respective institution or program and submitted directly by ISTO, either via email or through an official online application portal. Letters are not provided to applicants for personal submission.

How to Request a Letter of Reference

To request a letter of reference, please send one email containing all the information and documents listed below to Esther Almasdi-Müller.

1. Personal and Academic Information

  • Full name & Current degree program
  • Current transcript of records
  • Up-to-date CV
  • List of courses attended at ISTO, including the semester and lecturer

2. Application Details

For each university, program, or scholarship, please provide:

  • Name of the institution and specific program
  • Application deadline for the letter of reference
  • Recipient's name and email address and/or postal address, if applicable
  • Information on how the letter must be submitted (direct email, online portal, or another official procedure)
  • A link to the relevant application or recommendation portal, if available

3. Motivation

Please briefly explain:

  • Why you are applying to the respective program or scholarship
  • Why you believe it is a good fit for your academic interests and future goals
  • Any additional academic achievements or relevant information you would like us to consider

Preparation and Submission

Letters of reference are prepared based on the documents and information provided, your academic performance, and your participation in courses at ISTO. A personal interview with the professor is not required.

Please allow 4-6 weeks for preparation and submission. We therefore recommend contacting us well in advance of your earliest application deadline.

To ensure efficient processing, please submit all required information together in your initial request. Incomplete requests may lead to delays.

References for Student Assistants and Tutors

The Institute also provides employment references for student assistants and tutors, either addressed to a specific recipient or in general form (“To whom it may concern”).

For requests or further questions, please contact Esther Almasdi-Müller.