>>kerim-+(OP)
I once considered applying, but I gave up because collecting letters of recommendation was a major hurdle. My academic advisor from university has already retired…
>>warabe+hh
Get recommendations from supervisors you've had. Academic references are hard to obtain for most professionals 5-10 years out of school unless they've made a particular effort to stay in contact with undergrad faculty members. They understand this and take it into consideration.