As a current International Heritage Management Masters student at the University of Birmingham, I have spent nearly six months as a Taught student here and feel my experiences with societies, my course and the employment opportunity I have make me a capable candidate. I am also a member of the Ironbridge International Institute that is off the main campus, with nearly a fifth of the student course operating off the Edgbaston site, this experience gives me firsthand knowledge of the challenges that is has for students, especially postgraduates.
I don’t live on site, along with many other postgraduate students. The experience of travelling in and out each day, the challenges that this makes with early/late engagements, assignment submission and booking for tutorials, puts me in good stead to be your first Postgraduate Student Officer!
An experienced campaigner, I joined the 2012 NUS demo in London against increased fees with my previous University; as well as being on the committee of four societies I was part of a successful campaign team to get a colleague as vice-president for two successive years, and now it’s my time to stand.
My five point plan to bring into effect during my first year is:
1. EVENTS - Create more Postgraduate events at the Guild, making it friendlier to PG’s, and making them feel part of the Birmingham community.
2. SPACE - A constant problem is work and computer space, I will bring taught and research students closer together, with an interlinked space and promotion of notebook/laptop hire specific for Postgraduate students.
3. SUPPORT - A lot of International students start university in England at Postgraduate level; I will ensure they have the best experience of their time at Birmingham, with more social events and support throughout the year.
4. COLLOBRATION - Have a stronger strategy with other offices within the guild for postgraduates: Mature, Part Time, LGBT and Disabled students.
5. PROMOTION - Future Postgraduate students is the future for Birmingham, I will promote extended education to as many Undergraduates as I can. I will be commited to hold weekly drop by sessions during the semester for any student to discuss why a Postgraduate might be suitable for them.
Thank you for your time. Don’t forget to vote!