February 14, 2023, by Jackie Thompson
Students’ Union: Full-time and Part-time Officer Roles
By Hayley Williams, Students’ Union Employability Development Manager
Nominations are currently open for both full-time (paid employment) and part-time (volunteering alongside your studies) Officer roles in your Students’ Union. These are great opportunities to make changes, lead an organisation, and shape the student experience for years to come.
We spoke to your Mature Students’ Officer, Dan, to find out more about the role of a Part-Time Officer (PTO).
What made you decide to run for a PTO role and how did it feel to be successful?
Entering higher education as a mature student was daunting and I struggled to find my fit with my background. I wanted to do everything I could to prevent that from being the experience of other mature students like me, so I chose to run as Mature Students’ Officer (MSO) for 2022/23 and I’m tremendously proud of everything achieved this year.
Being informed I was successful was humbling. Over 8,000 mature students are trusting me to voice their needs and concerns. It’s a lot of responsibility but the other Part-Time Officers are great and the SU staff are always willing to help.
What does a day in the life of a PTO look like?
It varies, some days are full of meetings, events, and training and others are more relaxed. The best advice I received from a previous officer was: “This role can be full-on or relaxed as you want it to be.”
What’s the best part of your role?
The best part of my role is creating something of value that will far outlast my tenure as MSO. Knowing the motions I’ve passed, the constitution I’ve written and the mature students I’ve helped, who will continue to be supported after I graduate, is fulfilling.
How has this experience enhanced your employability and developed your skill set?
Becoming a PTO has made me leave my comfort zone and acquire skills I didn’t already have. My understanding of student politics has grown and my capacity to communicate and lead has improved.
Would you recommend the PTO roles to students?
I would, being an Officer is rewarding, stretching, and empowering. What’s there not to love?
If you’d like to find out more about the current elections, visit the Students’ Union website. Nominations close on Friday 24 February at 1pm.
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