Running to be an Officer: Advice from the President

Tuesday 24-01-2017 - 12:58
Shapeyouruniversity

--"Though it’s really scary, putting yourself out there to campaign and talk to people is pretty rewarding."--

It’s that time of year again... aside from the looming summative and dissertation deadlines, the electoral calendars of our various student led organisations are central to this term. Durham is alive with election madness and everyone is talking about who is running for what and who is backing who.

Things are no different at the Students’ Union: as you may have heard nominations opened at the start of term, and since then questions, queries and nominations have been flowing in for the five Officer positions that will be elected in a few weeks time. This is the first year we will have a Postgraduate Academic, Undergraduate Academic, Opportunities and Welfare & Liberation Officer, as well as President.

If you are considering running for an SU Officer position, or indeed to be elected into any student group, society, common room or sports team, here are some words of encouragement. Before coming to Durham I never thought I would run in any sort of election, let alone win one. Though it’s really scary, putting yourself out there to campaign and talk to people is pretty rewarding. In this process you learn a lot about yourself, as well as during your time in office.

For me, being a student Officer has been a tough but fulfilling challenge. I doubt many people have a grad job that’s as varied and responsible as an Officer. Similarly, I doubt I’ll ever have a job with as much choice in priorities as an elected position, which is pretty cool! Being a student Officer gives you the opportunity to drive the change that you want to see, whilst improving experience for the students you care about in a place that you care about. I couldn’t recommend it enough! So if you’re even slightly considering putting yourself forward for election, make sure you get that nomination in!  (shameless plug: nominations shut 17:00 Friday 27 January - you can find the nomination form here).

- Alice Dee, President of Durham Students' Union. 

Want to find out more more about running to be an Officer? Check out our Officer Elections page!

 

 

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