Monday 15-01-2018 - 10:54

From 5 February to 23 February, you can nominate yourself to stand in this year's Student Officer elections.

All current students at Manchester Met can get involved and you don’t need any previous experience – you can be an undergraduate or postgraduate, a full-time or part-time student, on any course and at any level of study.

 

Here are six great reasons to stand:

 

1. BE THE VOICE OF 36,000 STUDENTS

As a Student Officer, you get to represent the views of 36,000 students, not just at Manchester Met, but nationally too. Our current team have been involved in campaigns to improve the student experience at the University, as well as national campaigns around higher education reform. You can see some of what they've been up to over here. 

 

2. LEAD A CHARITY DEDICATED TO HELPING STUDENTS GET THE MOST OUT OF UNIVERSITY

This is a unique opportunity to have a meaningful leadership role and drive important changes. Being a full time Student Officer means you are the political leadership of The Union, and amongst the most senior staff of the organisation. You'll be responsible for making sure students' concerns and ideas are heard and acted on.

 

3. USE YOUR ENTHUSIASM AND IDEAS TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE TO STUDENT'S LIVES.

Some of the campaigns run by Student Officers have made a real difference to students experience at university. The award-winning 'It's OK' campaign, aimed at ending the stigma around mental health, was successful in securing a new senior counsellor post, three extra counsellors / cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) specialists, a drug and alcohol worker, and five new mental health and wellbeing mentors at the University. 

 

4. WORK WITH THE UNIVERSITY TO CREATE REAL CHANGE

Student Officers get to make big decisions at high levels within the University and The Union that create real and positive change for Manchester Met students.

This year, officers have been working with the University on mental health with bringing back the It's OK campaign, and making sports clubs more inclusive with Take A Stand.

 

5. MEET NEW PEOPLE, HAVE FUN AND BUILD YOUR CONFIDENCE

Running in an election is an exciting and unique experience. You’ll meet loads of new people and have an amazing time, as well as developing your confidence and communication skills. What’s more, if you’re elected you’ll have the chance to network with people at all levels that you wouldn’t usually encounter, as well as working in a varied and interesting role where each day is different.

 

6. BUILD REAL SKILLS AND STAND OUT TO FUTURE EMPLOYERS

Not many students can say that they organised their own campaign, ran in an election voted for by thousands of people, or led an organisation that represents the voice of 36,000 members. The initiative, drive and commitment it takes to be an officer is something that will set you apart when applying for jobs in the future. And the training, support and development you'll receive in your role means it's a fantastic opportunity to grow and think about your ambitions in life. You can see what some of our previous Student Officers have gone on to do here.

 

Think you've got what it takes? Stand now. You can offically stand from Monday 5 February until Friday 23 February.

Think you know someone who would be a great leader? Recommend them.