Revisiting Grad School - Professors' Edition: Dr. Max Scholz

Dr. Maximilian Scholz is an assistant professor specializing in the social and religious history of early modern Europe. He received his BA, MA, MPhil, and PhD from Yale University (2016). His dissertation was titled “Exile and the Recasting of the Reformation: Frankfurt am Main, 1554-1618.” He joined the FSU Department of History in 2017.

How would you describe your general experience of grad school?

Graduate school was both lovely and stressful. The first few years of my program were mostly lovely and rarely stressful. But as the dissertation work began, the stress level increased, and loveliness decreased. The friends I made over the first few years sustained me through the dissertation process and made the entire graduate school experience worthwhile.

What was the process of choosing a dissertation topic like?

Initially, I wanted to write about how communist East Germany viewed the Reformation. But my area of interest shifted dramatically over the first year of course work. Ultimately, I decided that refugees were the real story I wanted to tell about the Reformation. But I still could not decide on a geographic area of focus. Eventually, my dissertation advisor exclaimed, “Just pick an area and stick with it.” I chose the city of Frankfurt and am glad I did. I think my adviser’s advice made sense at two levels. First, from a research perspective, one needs a geographically-bounded focus or else historical arguments won’t make sense. Second, from a practical perspective, graduate students need to choose manageable projects, and geographically limiting your topic can help make matters manageable. Frankfurt was a fascinating and important city with a sorely understudied Reformation. Also, the city had precisely fixed boundaries which made it easier to discuss.

Is there anyone you are particularly grateful for helping you complete your PhD program?

My fellow graduate students helped me tremendously. They inspired me and sustained me with a healthy dose of camaraderie.

Did you consider other professions?

I considered law school, teaching, and government work. Ultimately, though, I decided I wanted to read and write. Academia affords the possibility to do both every day.

If you could go back in time and give advice to your younger self, what would you say?

From the first day of grad school, think of yourself as a professional historian. Writing history is your job. Your ideas will enrich the historical profession. But only if you publish them. Publish everything you write. The peer-review process will ensure that your publications are good. Draw upon your department’s expertise and refine your thinking. Look up the publishing guidelines of popular journals in your field. Publish and let your field hear your voice. (And if your publication is rejected, consider it an opportunity to refine your writing and submit again.) Do not give up. Keep writing.

What is your advice for current graduate students?

Your friends are probably more stressed and more afflicted by imposter syndrome than you. Sometimes, the best way to make yourself feel better is to help others feel better. Everyone feels stressed and vaguely out of place in academia. Help others and do your own work with confidence.