I cannot believe it’s already time for the Big Student Elections. It’s crazy to think that just a year ago I was stressing about my manifesto and making sure I handed in my nomination on time. Now I’ve been President since the summer and absolutely loved it!
I wanted to give you a little bit of insight into the work of the student officers. Every year we elect 3 full time officers into 3 different roles: Student President (my job), VP Welfare and VP Activities. The opportunities you encounter through these roles are like no other. The impact and positive change you can fulfil is simply incredible. They are all paid jobs, full time, £17,500 per year from 1st July 2020 to 30th June 2021. Doesn’t that sound like a sweet deal?
I have spent the last 8 months organising and running the things that I thought were important, improving the Student parents and Carers Group within the college, the setup of the Men’s Support Network, the launch of the Rep Academy and trying to ensure that sustainable education is embedded within our curriculum at college throughout all areas. Whilst doing all the things you want to focus on you are always available to help and advice other students. It might sound like a lot, but the training you receive prepares you for everything you will face.
The ECSA President focusses on Education and a big part of my role has been attending various committees and boards with the college Executive, being involved in the making of big decisions and representing the student voice. The role of VP welfare works on anything relating to the welfare of students, mental health and wellbeing while the VP Activities role is structured around organising societies, groups and social events for college students. All of these roles have the potential to be what you make them, all you need is commitment and ideas for change!
In order to become a full time officer, all you need to do is submit your nomination! It is fairly simple, but can seem a bit daunting. Good thing is there’s lots of support available. You need to fill in the nomination form with your details, the position you’d like to stand for and then you need to upload a leaflet as your manifesto. If you are unsure what to put on this here’s a couple of suggestions:
- Tell us about yourself
- Include a couple of ideas that students can relate to
- Let people know why they should vote for you
Remember, if something matters to you it is likely to matter to other students too. Once you’ve submitted your nomination, we will be in touch to verify your candidacy and then all you need to do is campaign for a couple of days and you might be elected!
Campaigning is the bit most people get nervous about. It sounds really scary, but actually all it is, is going out and speaking to fellow students about why they should vote for you. Students often don’t know they elections are on and are likely to like you for coming up to speak and listen to them. Voting happens over 4 days and can be really tiring so make sure you have good people around you to support you, but also remember you can always come to the ECSA office for a chat and a breather. Once the votes are counted, we have the Election Results Party at Three Sisters in town where we celebrate with the other Edinburgh institutions who are doing their elections at the same time! It’s really very exciting!
I would recommend doing this job to anyone, there’s no better feeling than knowing that you are making positive changes for people and improving their college experience. The changes that you make, could benefit students as far as ten years down the line, or even further! I still have another 4 months left in my position as President and I just can’t believe how quickly the time has gone. I am hoping to go on to do Midwifery and I’m so excited to get going with that, otherwise I’d be doing another year at ECSA! Being involved as an elected officer is a great addition for your CV and will be a big positive when applying for a university place or another job in the future. It shows your dedication, that you’re passionate and hardworking.
If you’re interested in anything you have read today, want to speak to someone about running, or anything at all, please get in touch with me! I’m happy to answer any questions and all there’s left to say is… What are you waiting for? Go grab The Best Job You’ll Ever Have!