Finding Your Academic Soulmate: The Magic of a Scholarly Match

In academia, we’re often told to focus on solo achievements—our own research, our own publications, and our own path to tenure. But what if I told you that one of the most valuable connections you’ll ever make in your academic career isn’t about standing alone but finding your academic soulmate? No, I’m not talking about anything romantic or sexual—this is about the ultimate match of minds.

What’s an Academic Soulmate, Anyway?

Imagine someone who just gets you—your methodology, your theory, your teaching philosophy, and your research goals. It’s that colleague who, every time you have a conversation, sparks a flurry of creative energy and endless project ideas. This is a partnership of intellectual alignment, where you’re on the same page in terms of scholarly pursuits, and every chat feels like brainstorming magic. You don’t need to explain your academic quirks or justify your niche interests—they’re right there with you.

The Benefits of an Academic Soulmate

Having an academic soulmate means more than just someone to collaborate with; it’s about building a scholarly connection that pushes you to think bigger and feel more energized. Here’s what makes this connection so powerful:

• Ever had that meeting where, halfway through, you suddenly come up with 10 new project ideas? That’s what happens when I connect with my academic soulmate. Every Zoom chat turns into a whirlwind of creativity, and we leave with more plans than a single human could possibly execute in a lifetime. But that’s the magic—it’s about dreaming big together, knowing that even if all those projects don’t materialize, the creative spark is worth it.

• Academia can be isolating, but with an academic soulmate, you have a built-in support system. Whether it’s venting about grant rejections, celebrating wins (big and small), or simply checking in on each other’s well-being, this relationship is about more than work. It’s about having someone who gets the highs and lows of the academic life—and who will be there to remind you that you’re not in this alone.

• An academic soulmate isn’t just someone you publish with—it’s someone who shares your values. Whether it’s a commitment to equity in the classroom or a shared passion for community-engaged research, you’re aligned on what matters most. Together, you’re not just producing scholarship for the sake of it—you’re creating work that feels meaningful, purposeful, and impactful.

• Let’s be honest: collaborating in academia can sometimes be a nightmare. But with your academic soulmate, everything just clicks. You write together seamlessly, bounce ideas off each other without judgment, and always seem to come up with solutions to tricky problems. Whether it’s co-authoring papers, presenting at conferences, or hosting workshops, your work together feels natural and, dare I say, fun.

There’s something incredibly fulfilling about knowing someone is just as passionate about your academic interests as you are. With an academic soulmate, you share that excitement. The enthusiasm is infectious, and you push each other to think deeper and explore new possibilities.

My Academic Soulmate

For me, I was lucky enough to find my academic soulmate during my PhD. This faculty member (you know who you are), who was on my committee, has become my go-to collaborator. We’ve published together, presented at conferences, and collaborated on numerous projects. Every time we have a Zoom chat, we feel this burst of creativity. We come up with project ideas that neither of us could complete in a lifetime, but it doesn’t matter—it’s the process that energizes us both. We check in on each other, encourage each other, and always leave our conversations feeling inspired.

Since starting my tenure-track position, I’ve been fortunate enough to connect with another academic soulmate (you, too, know who you are). We share similar values, particularly when it comes to the importance of mentoring undergraduate students, and we’re both proud to embrace being “weirdos and nerds” in our field. What excites us most is our shared belief that research should be participatory and inclusive, reflecting the communities we engage with. Once again, the magic happens every time we come together—whether it’s brainstorming new ideas or collaborating on projects, our energy and creativity seem to flow effortlessly.

Why You Should Find Yours

If you haven’t found your academic soulmate yet, don’t worry—they’re out there. Keep an eye out for that colleague whose ideas excite you, who challenges you in the best possible way, and who shares your vision for what scholarship can be. When you find that person, hold onto them—because an academic soulmate is the kind of connection that will elevate your work, your teaching, and your academic experience as a whole.

And no, this isn’t a “once in a lifetime” thing, nor does it have to be just one person. You can absolutely have more than one academic soulmate, and these connections can evolve over time. Sometimes, different people fill that role at different stages of your career—and that’s the beauty of it.

Trust me, when you find them, you’ll know. It’s like magic.