Max Sabin

Meet Max

English, B.A., NDSU, 2019
Public History, B.A., NDSU, 2020
History, Minor, NDSU, 2020
Current: Graduate School, Public History, NDSU, 2025-

I am currently the curator/collection’s manager at the Fargo Air Museum in Fargo, ND. My job is to take inventory of all the objects and artifacts people have entrusted the Air Museum to care for. On a weekly basis, I sit down with people from the community and talk to them about the objects they have brought in for possible donation. Additionally, I give public talks about historical events, airplanes, and events the Air Museum hosts for the community. I also write articles for the museum’s newsletter on various topics within aviation history.

Max flying airplane while looking confidently at camera.

How did your time as an English major prepare you for your current role or your career?

My time as an English major gave me a better understanding of how to write more eloquently, as well as how to hold meaningful and important conversations with various types of people in our community and from across the country. One class that comes to mind immediately for me that was a massive help was ENGL 459: Researching and Writing Grants & Proposals with Dr. Kenzie. This course taught me how to write for an audience in an engaging yet informative manner that could help your museum/group/institution gain funding from those who might not know what your own group does. As a small museum, we use grants to help keep our doors open, and this class is always one I recommend to underclassmen to take if it is offered.

What advice would you give to someone considering an English major?

Don’t be discouraged by the world today. Being able to write and communicate will always be a skill that no AI can replace. When I was an underclassman, I fully expected to be an editor somewhere, but instead, I found my way to an Air Museum where I use my English degree every day. It has combined my passions for writing and history into a dream job that I wouldn’t want to replace with anything else. With that said, don’t be afraid to pursue a career in a field that might not normally be associated with having an English major. You will be a valuable asset to any team that you’re on with the skills you learn from being an English major at North Dakota State University.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

Don’t be afraid to show off your writing abilities! It is such a valuable skill today, and if you can do it, get it out there! If anyone is interested in getting in touch with me, I am on various social media platforms like Instagram & Facebook (fovmodels & shotsfromsabin), where I’d be happy to answer any more questions from any potential NDSU English majors.