Within MC, I want to include a reference letter in line with this example evidence from technation:
“Outside of your normal day-to-day job role, you were a senior contributor to a large technology-led industry initiative, evidenced through reference letter(s) from global senior project executives.”
The reference letter is from the Chief Product Officer of a large, recognised blockchain company talking about my work in a large blockchain project initiative (it was actually a community project). This is outside of my day job as product manager and I did not receive any kind of compensation for it.
Is this acceptable to Technation as supporting evidence for mandatory criteria (exceptional talent)?
I’m confused because OC2 is specifically for this (proof of recognition for work beyond the applicant’s occupation that contributes to the advancement of the field) but this is the only work I have done outside of my day-to-day work.
Since it is written in the Tech Nation guideline, do leverage it then.
However, do make sure that
you include your statement which ensures that you match this example.
Have other primary evidence to show this initiative for MC, while having only the LOR to strengthen it. Do not expect it to replace primary evidence for MC though.
Note that the use of letters of reference alone to show how you meet any of the criteria is not sufficient, additional evidence should be provided.
OC1: a proven track record for innovation as a founder or senior executive of a product-led digital technology company or as an employee working on a new digital field or concept
OC3: they have made significant technical, commercial or entrepreneurial contributions to the field as a founder, senior executive, board member or employee of a product-led digital technology company
But I was not an employee of this company, I have no proof of it. Thus I’m confused if providing evidence of work in this regard will be acceptable.
If you cannot prove that you were employed with them full-time, you will not be eligible. Please note that freelance or consultancy work will not work for these either.
This would be a really good piece of evidence. This is exactly the kind of stuff they are looking for, IMO. Do include the 1 pager giving context of how this work came about and any other relevant pieces of info to showcase impact.