Could YOU be the next VP Postgraduate (Education and Welfare)?
I’ve loved throwing myself back into student life through this role, but in a completely different way! People often perceive Postgrads as people who are constantly studying and don’t get out much, but we’re a hugely fun and diverse bunch who are SO much fun to represent and work with. The best part of the role for me is getting to run events for Postgrad students with the PG Association, and helping people meet lifelong friends following a very challenging few years. Running (again!) is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made."
(Orla Tarn, VP Postgraduate Students 2021/22)
Sabbatical Officer Roles are far from your typical job experience and will place you in a working environment which will encourage you to develop a new set of skills to engage an audience of 30,000 students, whilst also challenging and supporting university stakeholders.
The Vice President Postgraduate (Education and Welfare) is your Students' Union lead role for supporting and developing the experience of postgraduate students at Cardiff University. The role works in partnership with the university to ensure quality academic experiences and support those postrgaduate students who may also teach.
We want to make sure that you are equipped with as much knowledge as possible to alleviate any doubts/queries you may have about the role, so please find below some FAQs which may answer some questions you have. If you have any more and would like them answered, please do not hesitate to contact us through Elections@cardiff.ac.uk
This is a full-time position, based at our Cathays Campus, and is fixed-term from 1st July 2023-30th June 2024. The annual salary is over £20k and newly elected Sabbatical Officers will be provided with a comprehensive induction and training, so don't worry if you don't know everything yet!
VP Postgraduate (Education and Welfare) FAQs
Can I run for this role if I’m an integrated Masters’ student?
Yes – any student is eligible to run for any of our roles! As an integrated Masters’ student, you are a Postgraduate student at the University so this role is ideal for you!
Can I do my Masters’ dissertation or my PhD write-up while I undertake this post?
The Vice President Postgraduate role is a full time role, however we will work with any candidates to see how the role would fit around any part-time studies that may be taking place. Some officers in the past have chosen to undertake re-sit examinations and dissertation work alongside Sabbatical Officer roles and the Union have supported them in doing so for short periods. It is recommended, however, that if you are not finished with your course, you take an Interruption of Study for the duration of the Sabbatical Officer year. We would recommend that you speak with the Student Voice team as soon as possible if you’re considering running such that you are able to make the most informed decision.
How can I represent PGT/PGR students if I’m a PhD/Masters’ student?
The Postgraduate body at Cardiff University is hugely diverse, with a huge number of different courses at different levels on offer. The VP Postgraduate has the role of representing all of these, and as a result, often has to learn quickly about the issues faced by students that they’ve never been in touch with before. The start of an officer’s year is largely about learning, and you will have plenty of induction as well as meetings with senior University staff (including the Postgraduate Deans across the three colleges), who will be able to answer any questions you might have! If you have any specific concerns, you can get in touch with our current VP Postgraduate at VPPostgraduate@cardiff.ac.uk.
Are there any reputational risks?
Sabbatical Officers can sometimes find themselves in the headlines of the press due to decisions they or the SU have made. This can sound daunting, but the SU’s Senior Management and Communications team will be on hand to guide you in press relations and supporting you in managing stakeholder relationships.
How do I run an election alongside my studies / professional commitments?
Talking to your lecturers and tutors is always a good first step, just to let them know you are looking at undertaking the role. They may be able to support you with managing your workload. In terms of campaigning, asking friends to help for an hour or two will really help. The Voice team will also provide training on how to effectively campaign alongside your studies and best use of social media for an effective digital campaign.
What skills will I develop within the role?
People Skills, leadership, confidence, ability to challenge and support stakeholder, communicating with an audience of 30k students, written skills, report writing, dealing with difficult conversations, finance, risk assessment, public speaking, presenting and project management. There may also be the opportunity to take on Work Based Learning diplomas through the Welsh Government if you’d like to, and a number of highly-sought after qualifications that are offered through the Students’ Union’s HR Department.
What student wins has the VP Postgraduate had before?
Past VP Postgraduates have secured major wins for the Postgraduate community at Cardiff University, including:
- The Alumni Discount scheme that offers tuition fee discounts to returning Cardiff students
- New and refurbished Postgraduate Study Spaces
- A commitment to contracts for PGR students who teach
- Availability of sports clubs and societies for Postgraduate students
And remember, not all of your wins need to be specific to one demographic of Postgraduate students – you can campaign and push for changes that you want to see, even if these impact more than just Postgraduate students!