We are a student-led democratic organisation that represents, supports, and provides opportunities to our members: all Hallam students. We're led by a team of Officers who are democratically elected Hallam students. Elections take place each spring to decide who will run the Students' Union for the following academic year. Officers are paid, full-time staff, and they play a crucial role in ensuring that the Union fulfils its role of improving the lives of students at Sheffield Hallam.
There are loads of reasons why you might want to consider running to be an Officer. Here are three:
Because you're a leader.
HSU Officers are leaders of the Students' Union in a very real way. As an Officer, you'd be a trustee of the Union to ensure it's working in the interests of Hallam students, and you would make real decisions that can influence the whole direction of our organisation. In many placements and grad jobs, you start at the bottom: not as a HSU Officer. You start right at the top. This is a truly unique opportunity.
Because you know what matters to students.
You understand students, and you know what needs to change to make the Hallam experience better. Being a HSU Officer is the most effective way to make change on campus. Our Officers meet regularly with senior University staff, including the three College Officers who attend key meetings within the three Colleges. Got ideas that would make Hallam better for students? This is the role for you.
Because you want a life-changing experience.
A year as an Officer is one of the best things you could do for your CV. The focus of the role varies from Officer to Officer, but you can expect to gain experience in:
- Project management
- Strategic planning
- Campaigning
- Event management
- Chairing meetings
- Governance and policy
- Diplomacy
- Research
- Negotiation
- Public speaking
- Managing budgets
- ... and more!
You'll benefit from extensive training, networking opportunities with university leadership, politicians, and business leaders, and support from Union staff. Previous Officers have gone on to have amazing careers in business, charity, politics, and education - or pretty much anything else you set your mind to.