Wednesday 17-01-2024 - 12:00

Fancy doing the best job ever?

Being a sabbatical officer is one of the best roles you can undertake; either fresh out of your studies or midway through them. The skills, knowledge and experience you gain from situations that you would be highly unlikely to find yourself in anywhere else are invaluable.

It’s these benefits that act as a catalyst for your career, catapulting you into reaching the potential you weren’t even aware that you had through being the voice of reason for students at university. The role of a sabbatical officer is often misunderstood, with many not seeing or understanding the day-to-day tasks that come with the job. It’s no surprise, though, because as a former officer myself, I can tell you that no day is the same, and there were times where thinking on my feet resulted in some of the most rewarding days of my working life. Being supported by a team of like-minded people who truly want the best for the student population is one of the things that makes working in the student movement so unique.

You can make your time as a sabbatical officer whatever you want it to be, and you don’t have to be the extrovert that the role seemingly demands – I know that I’m certainly not. I could probably write a book about all the reasons you should stand for election and why my time as a students’ union president were two of the best years of my life, but nobody has time for that, so I’ve condensed my what-would-be novel into the top reasons why you should run below:

You can do whatever you want.

Within reason!

Any ideas or campaigns that you have that benefit student life will be supported by the Students’ Union staff team. You might want to run a campaign for mental health, a sexual health campaign or even lobby the University to change something that could result in a better student experience. There’s a whole budget set aside for SU campaigns, so things like events and any promo can be covered to bring your campaign to life. It's a good idea to start thinking about what kind of impact you want to have when you run, as you'll lay out what you plan to do for the year ahead when you write a manifesto. Try to be realistic, as you will be expected to carry out all the pledges you include in your manifesto, and this is what will be the basis of your Elections campaign to get people to vote for you - and your subsequent year in office if you are elected!

Never written a manifesto before? Don't worry, I hadn't either, but it's not as daunting as it might seem. Plus, we've put together a really helpful guide here!

Personal and professional growth.

Gigantic, metaphorically speaking.

The range of things you can end up doing in this role is second to none. You’ll also be a trustee for the Students’ Union. In case you didn’t know, all students’ unions are registered charities, and these are governed by a trustee board. As Vice President, you will be a member of the Board of Trustees, and as President, you will be the Chair of the Board. Full training and support is of course given, so it’s a great opportunity to discover how charities are run, have a say in what happens with the running of the Students’ Union and build crucial meeting skills that will set you up for the rest of your career. You'll work closely with the Union's CEO to help guide you in the best way possible for the student experience and your own development as an officer. 

Dedicated personal development coach

Monthly sessions that are whatever you make them with an expert personal development coach from an external provider specialising in supporting officers in the student movement.

Alongside the support you'll get from a full team of Students' Union staff, you'll also have an experienced coach to seek advice from if you need it. They are experts in students' unions and support full-time officers all over the country, so you'll never be short of places to go if you need an extra pair of trustworthy ears. 

Fun!

Events, campaigns, meeting people, learning new things!

I've already mentioned the range of opportunities the unique role of being a full-time student officer has to offer, and I promise that the variety that comes with it makes it the most fun job in the world. You'll develop skills you didn't realise you had and you will be able to recognise the increase in your own confidence after just a couple of months in post. There's so much to take away before you're even elected, through campaigning for votes in the first place. You'll speak to lots of students during this time, and it can really help solidify your plans as an officer if you're elected. 

 

Free accommodation

A free ensuite room on campus in Wrexham Student Village for the duration of your time in office!

You needn't worry about living arrangements or even a commute to work, because you have the option of living right here, on campus! It's important for full-time officers to be as physically present as possible, and because the University agrees, they offer all of our full-time officers a room just a minute's walk from the Students' Union building for the entirety of your time in office. 

Salary and benefits

Perk-a-licious.

With a generous annual leave allowance of 25 days (rising to 30 if you run for a second year) plus bank holidays and time off at Christmas, there’s plenty of time to recharge your batteries between being a student superhero.

Trips!

Networking galore!

As an officer, you’ll find yourself being invited to all sorts of things. As a Wales sabbatical officer, you’ll have the chance to be a delegate at two NUS conferences: NUS UK and NUS Wales. These conferences are where officers from all over the country attend to form new policy, network and develop their skills. There’s more, too, and locations change each year. Travel, accommodation and food is always covered by the Students’ Union.

Experience

Being the smartest person in the room is boring.

You’ll sit on the most senior committees in the University where you will have the opportunity to work with the people who have the power to make things happen, challenge when necessary and make a positive difference to students' lives. You’ll also be a member of the University's Board of Governors, meaning you'll have a say in key decision-making for the future of the institution and the students it serves. Your voice will represent the voice of thousands of Wrexham University students and will have the same weight as experienced leaders from inside the University and externally.

Not ready for a full-time position yet?

That's fine, because there are also nine part-time positions that you can run for. These are voluntary and can be undertaken alongside your studies. Being a part-time officer is a great way to stand up for the things you care about without having to interrupt your studies! It also gives you bragging rights on your CV, and elevates you into the perfect position to run for a full-time officer role in future, if you so wish. Find out more about part-time officer roles here.

Ready to take the plunge?

There's nothing to lose, so you may as well give it a go. You won't regret it!

 

Nominate yourself or recommend a friend here!

 

Thinking of running or just fancy a chat about the Elections? Get in touch with me at lauren.hole@wrexham.ac.uk!

 

Written by Lauren Hole, Communications & Engagement Coordinator, Wrexham Students' Union

 

Like us on Facebook

Follow us on Instagram

Follow us on Twitter

Subscribe to our YouTube channel