Interview with Matthaios Amanatiadis

How do you look back on your time as a student? What do you miss, and what don't you miss?

I miss delving into the vast literature on modernity and its many facets, which was instrumental in shaping my understanding of the recent past. I don’t particularly miss working at the same time, though; despite the playful alliteration, Bauman and bartending make a terrible combination.

How has your education influenced your professional life?

It provided me with an entry point into an academic career and taught me the level of diligence required to succeed in it.

Which skills, both professionally and in everyday life, that you developed during your studies do you value the most today?

Critical thinking, empathy, and, most importantly, the ability to quickly identify key documents and details within vast amounts of data ­– a crucial and widely useful skill that every modern historian needs to develop sooner or later.

If you were to give current master?s students one practical piece of advice, what would it be?

Be modest with the scope of your Master’s thesis. You will certainly have to conduct extensive research, but you don’t have to write the next Golden Bough (but do send me a copy if you pull it off so that I can pretend I’ve read that one too).

Favorite place in Uppsala?

The kebab joints behind the Uppsala cathedral.

Which student tradition do you miss the most?

Going out with my classmates after a major exam.

What is one thing you should not miss out on during your time as a student in Uppsala?

Getting to know your teachers and classmates well. Building these relationships can be invaluable as you move forward – both in your career and in life.