Previous Officers
Find out what former Officers have to say about being elected representatives. Could your name feature here at some point in the future??
Steven Waring, 1994-1995
'I didn't know it at the time but being an elected Officer was the kick start of my career path, and I can honestly say that being an active member of the Union has helped me achieve the role I do today. I am Commercial Manager of one the largest printing manufacturing businesses in the UK.
Why you ask? Firstly it was a great way of meeting people from other areas of the University community, getting involved in other aspects of social life and your voice could be heard in helping others within the University and Northamptonshire.
I really enjoyed my time firstly working as a volunteer on the executive committee of the Union, then as a Sabbatical in those early years of Nene College as I knew it back then. As Communications Officer, I brought colour to the Union’s monthly magazine ‘Nene Scene,’ before it was a black and white news sheet. I established the RAG Week in raising the most money at that time ever for local charities within Northamptonshire. For the First time ever in the history of the Students' Union in Northampton, I raised its profile with the local business community and gained sponsorship for certain activities, buildings and products the Union had. These early working skills have lead me to build an excellent career path to where I am today.
And for a good example of how getting involved can really help you in your future career:
When I was Editor of Nene Scene, we received a commendation in the NUS Media Awards. I had a young lady who volunteered her help by supplying articles for publishing on student affairs. If you read the ITN News at 10 credits look out for Arti Luka: that’s where that young lady is today.
Finally it doesn’t matter what role you play within your Students' Union, but I will say please get involved. You will find it fun and you will benefit from it, it’s proven time after time, I really did honestly benefit and enjoyed those days in Northampton.'
James Kemp, 2004-2006
'I immensely enjoyed my time as Vice President, Education and Welfare and as President: both roles helped me understand the importance of listening to others and recognising what issues their were trying to put across, especially as there are lots of different people from different walks of life. Also, I learnt the art of negotiation especially with the Governors and senior University Executive Committee. We went through some particularly difficult times when I was there and I have gained so much, and it shows in my everyday life.
In my current role I have lots of different and often challenging positions problems that I have to deal with on a daily basis and I feel without my experience at UoN and in particular both my sabbatical years I would not be in a position to be able to deal with them.'
Jamie Allerton, 2008-2009
'Although having a degree on my CV helped it was the advocacy experience I gained at the Union as Vice President, Education and Welfare that landed me my current job with a well-known Bank.'
Ian and Richard Hardwick, both former Presidents, tell us about their experiences.