If you are a student or a researcher, you may have heard of the term "academic reference" or "academic letter of recommendation". But what exactly is an academic reference and why do you need one? How do you choose and approach someone to be your academic reference? And how do you write one for someone else? In this, we will answer these questions and provide some tips on how to get or write an effective academic reference. What is an Academic Reference? An academic reference or academic letter of recommendation is a statement that shows a person's achievement and performance. It is often written by an academic staff member for students or assistants to boost their chances of landing an opportunity. Such opportunities include scholarships, study programs, grants, internships, and jobs. An academic reference usually includes the following information: The relationship between the referee and the applicant (e.g., lecturer, supervisor, mentor, etc.) The duration an