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What does your job actually entail? What do you see as your main responsibilities?
For Societies, I act as the main point of contact for their committees throughout the year. On a day to day basis, I deal with anything from society finance to event planning, organising Societies Council to giving sponsorship advice. Projects on a larger scale include the Societies fayre, award ceremony and GO GLOBAL. Societies aside, I also spend a lot of my time supporting Postgraduate and International Students. A great deal of this is trying to highlight the issues these student face. The International and Postgraduate Committees that I convene and chair are a vital part of this and I am always trying to think of new ways to get more students in through our doors and talking about the things that really matter to them. A lot of the work I have done so far in the role has been focused on integration. It is so important to get international and home students communicating and learning about each others culture.
What do you think the job demands in terms of personal attributes or skills?
My role is very much a balancing act. The most valuable skill is to be organised and manage many different things at once. Beyond that, enthusiasm goes a long way and people really respond well to a fresh, friendly face at a meeting or event. Feeling confident in yourself to talk in front of a room of people is also a good skill but this will always come in time and after lots of practice.
What do you enjoy most about the job?
One of the best things about my role is getting to know lots of students and building good relationships with them. Organising and pulling off big events is extremely rewarding and getting to do new things every single day is lots of fun!
What are the challenges/obstacles you face?
As I mentioned above, my role is a balancing act and this causes challenges along the way. Many different students demand money, time, representation and support and you have to try and please everyone. That said, it keeps you on your toes and keeps your energy levels high.What have you achieved since coming into your position?
For Societies, I have helped to establish a new database and better communication this year. The previous paper-based system was out-dated and very difficult to work with. I have also re-vamped the Societies area and bought noticeboards for the TV Lounge to enable Societies to display their events and activities. I have also supported many events and encouraged Societies to use more of the Union' s resources.
A large project was the ‘My Faith, My City' Forum held in December. Faith provision and policy is a contentious student issue that appeared to have drifted from pillar to post over the years. After mush consultation of old reports and different groups with invested interest, I invited Cardiff Students in to discuss matters of faith, religion and belief in an open environment. Over 80 students attended and their feedback has now been produced in a report that I have handed to the University.
I have also established committees for International and Postgraduate students to provided a platform for them to voice their issues, concerns and ideas while at University.
What's next?
I'm currently working on my biggest project of the year, GO GLOBAL. GO GLOBAL has developed from the Union's annual Global Village event. My aim is create a two-week festival that brings all Cardiff students together from all over the world and giving them the opportunity to celebrate their different cultures through a series of events. I have encouraged Cardiff Societies to get involved and the fortnight is now packed full of their events too. There is a lot to do but with Societies, International Students and staff behind me, I have a lot of help and support.
Alongside this, I am also introducing a large Society Award ceremony in the Great Hall and laying foundations for my successor to continue with my committees, introduce a ‘Give-it-a-go' initiative and generally have lots of support for next year.
Would you recommend your role? If so, why?
For me, the thing that stood out about this role the most was the contact with students. There is no chance you will be stuck in your office without seeing someone for hours on end. It is also easy to see how your support has helped students and watch your projects come to fruition. I get to work in a fun, lively environment and have not been bored so far!
