If you’re part of an SU student group or society, or considering joining one this year, have you thought about taking on a leadership role with the group, as part of the committee?
SU committee members can use their experience in the role to achieve the university’s employability award, the Bristol PLUS Award. These roles are a great way to build skills and confidence, which all helps you stand out to employers.
We caught up with some ex-committee members, who’ve all achieved their PLUS Award, to find out more.
Alongside his PhD in Aerosol Science, Ajay Potavadoo was president of the UoB Table Tennis Society.
What inspired you to lead the Table Tennis society, and what do you love about this role?
‘Being a part of the club for a few years, I really enjoyed playing a sport competitively at the university.
The inspiration for attaining a leadership role was to foster a sociable environment between like-minded people to help each other grow both on and off of the table!’
‘Developing an extra-curricular presence is very important! It is often very easy to become entirely focused on research, but activities outside of your studies are important towards both physical and mental health. Picking up a sport or a hobby is a great way to wind-down from the busier times as a PGR.’
During second year of her Economics degree, Bodour Idris took on the role of President of the Sudanese Society.
What would you say to other students considering taking on a committee role?
‘I’d say just go for it. It seems daunting but the SU provides all the training and support you need. It’s a good opportunity to meet and work with new people, maybe make some friends and most of all it looks amazing on a CV.
It provides you with experiences you can leverage for interviews or even just life lessons for yourself.’
What would you say to other students to inspire them to register for PLUS?
‘My main concern was that the PLUS Award would be very demanding but it’s not at all. You can take things at your own pace and choose activities you’d enjoy.
I would recommend the PLUS Award to anyone wanting any sort of growth in their life. It’s an experience you can fully tailor to suit yourself!’
In final year of his Aerospace Engineering degree, Carlos Medina Mendaro was treasurer of the Padel Society.
What would you say to other students considering taking on a student society committee role?
‘I would encourage them to take it on. It is a great way to meet people who have similar hobbies to you, and allows you to organise the sort of activities that you would like to take part in.’
What would you say to other students to inspire them to register for PLUS?
‘Most of the activities that you take on for PLUS are aligned with what employers are looking for, so everyone should do them regardless. PLUS provides a clear avenue for those who are not sure how to do it and recognition on completion.’
Ready to get involved?
Most SU student groups have their AGM in March, which is when the next committee members will be elected.
Not part of an SU group yet? There are loads to explore, and now is a great time to join! Check out the SU website to learn more.
Registration for the Bristol PLUS Award is open now – challenge yourself to develop a range of skills and experiences to boost your CV and stand out from the crowd.