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What does your job actually entail? What do you see as your main responsibilities?
It's actually all about postgraduate students: both taught and research, they face issues everyday. In every way it's about representing them, their issues and trying in every way to advocate for them.
What do you think the job demands in terms of personal attributes or skills?
You've got to be passionate about doing this job, very organised and you have to bring in your planning skills.
What do you enjoy most about the job?
Whichever way you want to look at it, it makes you grow. I have enjoyed that most; the challenges, frustrations and the successes of it are all part of the growth.
What are the challenges/obstacles you face?
Sometimes I want to communicate to the whole postgraduate community what's going on, but actually trying to communicate with all of them isn't as easy as it may seem; this is a big obstacle and challenge!
Would you recommend your role? If so, why?
I would highly recommend this role, especially to postgraduate students. It gives you a better angle from which to see and address postgraduate issues anyday.
What have you achieved since coming into your role?
I have seen more representation and reintegration of postgraduate students within the Union. Of course, it needs to get better and can get even better! It's only just begun!
What's next?
I am looking to see that the next person comes in with postgraduate issues at heart, someone who will bring continuity to the representation of postgraduate students within the Union in every way and someone who will ensure continuity of the various channels of ensuring representation in the Union that were started by the SPI officer. I hope to talk to more postgraduate students about this role this month.
