answer:You certainly can; but it would be helpful to the prospective employer if the individuals could speak to your skills, “attitude” and overall performance on the job. If you worked with them on team projects, that would be great. If you have people who were professional mentors to you in some way, they would be great references. Perhaps you’ve served in a volunteer leadership role—someone who has knowledge of your work in that area would be helpful. Put yourself in the reader’s (employer’s) position—what kind of person could provide good testimony about you??