What past officers said....
Jackie Thornton
Currently: Strategic Funding and Development Manager, Norwich City FC
Vice President (Cheshire) 1996-1997
“After a Business Sport & Recreation degree, I was elected as Vice President (Cheshire). I experienced expert communication, staff management, marketing, planning, budgeting, chairing meetings – and a great deal of decision making. I feel that the experience and knowledge that I gained, significantly enhanced my career opportunities. I am now the Strategic Funding & Development Manager at Norwich City Football Club, responsible for charity strategy and developing new projects. I lead innovative new projects, liaise with key partners, find substantial funds to support the projects and monitor its success. I would encourage any students to stand for election as this role; it leads to amazing places.”
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Sara Shanab
Currently: Head of Legal, MMU
Vice President (Education), Liverpool Students’ Union, 2000-2001
President, Liverpool Students’ Union, 2001-2002
“The value of my time as an Officer can’t be underestimated. The skills that I picked up along the way – leading meetings, presentations, negotiations, dealing with different (and often much older or more senior) people, management and so many more - gave me a head start in the workplace against the other trainees. I firmly believe that the experience helped secure my first training contract with a well respected firm of solicitors. And of course gave me a great 'unique selling point' when I got my job as an in-house lawyer to MMU!
More than that though, it was really good fun. I'd recommend it to anyone who wants to make a difference AND get ahead of the pack.”
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Gemma Tumelty
Currently: Public Affairs Officer, Million+
President, National Union of Students, 2006-2008
Vice President (Welfare), Liverpool Students’ Union, 2002-2003
“…a student at Liverpool John Moores, a course rep, women’s officer and Vice President (Welfare)…the Government announced their intention to introduce variable fees. This got me more engaged in the debates surrounding our education…and I wanted to be involved, wanted to have an impact in the fight…”
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Sophie Kettel
Currently: Convenor of the West Mids Area NUS
Former Vice President (Student Activities), Staffordshire Students' Union
“Being an officer changed the way I think and the way I work. I now help develop active citizens in over 40 colleges and universities and I love what I do. Senior people respect my opinion and my work because they know I've experienced the sort of change and leadership that being an officer is all about”
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Naushabah Khan
Currently: Graduate Scheme at KPMG
Vice President (Community), Birmingham Guild of Students 2007-2008
“I believe that my greatest accomplishment by far has to be work that I did in my student union. I began as a Women’s Officer in my third year; fighting for equality and women’s rights allowed me to meet like-minded people and build networks that I remain a part of today. The following year I become the Vice President (Community). I fought for students’ rights, worked with local community groups, built networks and improved relationships.
This role provided me with invaluable skills and made me the individual that I am today. It gave me a number of opportunities and led me to success in the corporate world, working for a large business advisory firm. As well as building my career I continue to contribute to my local community, all of which I owe to being involved in my student union.”
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