Candidates for Business, Technology and Engineering Officer

Why do you want to be elected as Business, Technology & Engineering Officer?

As I currently study in this college doing events management I believe that I will be able to help both current and future students use my extensive experience to be able ensure that all their needs are met to ensure they get the most out of their education

What skills and experience do you have that would make you a good Officer?

What I believe would make me a good officer is I have seen first hand just how much the help available to students really does benefit people. I have anxiety which makes things hard for me but I have such supportive tutors and well-being people that my nerves aren't as bad as they are always there to talk to so I want to be able to be there for others

Which three HSU policies do you think are the most important?

• Mental health and wellbeing support
• Inclusive practice and lecture capture
• Community, belonging, and academic societies

What other two issues/topics should be prioritised by your role?

Better opportunities for subject appropriate field trips

More visits from external speakers

Why do you want to be elected as Business, Technology & Engineering Officer?

One of the main reasons I want this job is my passion for supporting, helping and encouraging my fellow students which I have done through my time as a business management student at university. Working at open days, call centres, as a course representative and as a peer mentor for autistic students I have developed a passion for supporting students through their time at university. This role offers me an opportunity to continue and build upon my previous experience of supporting students and building relationships with them and lecturers alike.

What skills and experience do you have that would make you a good Officer?

Having worked open days and call centres has helped me develop communication skills and build relationships with students, parents and lecturers alike. As a course representative, I work closely with students and peers, listening to and addressing any concerns. I volunteer as an autistic student mentor and have been the Equality & Diversity officer of film society, making sure everyone has a voice and is represented. Having completed an internship with the Civil Service I gained experience in planning projects, checking data, working in a professional manner and presenting findings to Senior leaders.

Which three HSU policies do you think are the most important?

• Mental health and wellbeing support
• Student employability
• Anti-racism at HSU

What other two issues/topics should be prioritised by your role?

Two issues I think should be prioritised by my role are placement support and assessment support.

Why do you want to be elected as Business, Technology & Engineering Officer?

I would like to be elected as I believe I can bring a positive change to the quality of student's education with a focus on employability. As someone who has done a placement year, and is a placement rep, I feel I have the skills and know-how to implement ways to increase employability; such as through the use of machines / software that are widely used in the industry (and which we have at the University already) but are not being taught.

What skills and experience do you have that would make you a good Officer?

I have prior experience in implementing and managing projects through my time on placement. Which has also developed my leadership, teamwork and communication skills alongside it.

Which three HSU policies do you think are the most important?

• Mental health and wellbeing support
• Timetabling
• Community, belonging, and academic societies

What other two issues/topics should be prioritised by your role?

Ensuring students get training/skills that are directly applicable to the workplace.

Making sure students get a good amount of engagement on their courses.

Why do you want to be elected as Business, Technology & Engineering Officer?

I am passionate about enhancing the student experience and advocating for their needs. I aim to bridge the gap between students and faculty by improving communication, supporting mentalhealth initiatives, and ensuring students have access to the resources they need for success. I am committed to promoting academic excellence, career readiness, and digital literacy to equip students for the future. With a proactive and inclusive approach, I will work to create an environment where all students can thrive.

What skills and experience do you have that would make you a good Officer?

I have a strong background in problem-solving, leadership, and communication, all of which are essential for an Officer role. My experience in managing teams and overseeing operations allows me to stay calm under pressure and make quick, informed decisions. I also have strong interpersonal skills, which help me engage with people effectively and maintain positive relationships in challenging situations. Additionally, my ability to analyze and evaluate information allows me to identify issues and implement practical solutions, ensuring efficient and effective outcomes for the team and the organization.

Which three HSU policies do you think are the most important?

• Mental health and wellbeing support
• Anti-racism at HSU
• Sustainability

What other two issues/topics should be prioritised by your role?

Digital Literacy and Skills: The digital-native, but there's a need for comprehensive digital literacy programs that go beyond basic usage to include cybersecurity, data privacy, and the responsible use of technology for academic and personal development.

Career Readiness and Entrepreneurship: Gen Z is highly entrepreneurial, and many desire flexible work options. Offering career guidance, mentorship, internship programs, and fostering entrepreneurial thinking will help them navigate a rapidly changing job market.

Inclusive Education: Ensuring diversity and inclusion by supporting LGBTQ+ students, students of color, and students with disabilities. An inclusive curriculum helps them feel seen and valued, promoting a healthy and supportive learning environment.

Why do you want to be elected as Business, Technology & Engineering Officer?

My goal as Education officer for the College of Business, Technology and Engineering is to help students thrive whilst at Sheffield Hallam University, making sure that each voice is heard and listened to.

I would make sure to improve the student experience by addressing struggles such as workload concerns, course structure and cost of living to provide comfort and support the well-being of all students. It is important to me to listen to all students and to be a voice pushing for the improvements which you value most in and around the university.

What skills and experience do you have that would make you a good Officer?

I think I would make a good officer because I work well in a team, I'm driven, creative and good at public speaking.

Before university, I was part of a youth council representing the voices of military children making sure their opinions were heard, creating change for children who grew up on military bases.

I have also spent my final year developing and running a new society, looking after members and creating experiences for them. We pride ourselves on developing a cheap society by providing as many opportunities for a low cost.

Which three HSU policies do you think are the most important?

• Cost of living
• Mental health and wellbeing support
• Community, belonging, and academic societies

What other two issues/topics should be prioritised by your role?

With the cost of living affecting so many students, finding affordable and nutritious foods is a massive priority for students. My goal would be to make sure the university can provide low-cost meals for students across campus, eliminating the worry of finding good food.

Creating low-pressure study environments where people can thrive among each other to get desired grades, without the pressure of feeling alone whilst completing assignments and coursework.

Why do you want to be elected as Business, Technology & Engineering Officer?

I have always believed that any problem we face is a consequence of misunderstanding or miscommunication. As Education Officer for the College of Business, Technology & Engineering at Hallam SU, I will work to bridge the gap between students and faculty, ensuring student voices are heard clear communication and stronger academic support. With a passion for student success and a proactive approach to problem-solving, I will strive to create meaningful changes that benefit everyone in our college.

What skills and experience do you have that would make you a good Officer?

My experience as a teacher and online tutor has given me a deep understanding of student needs, allowing me to advocate effectively for them. Serving as a course representative this year has strengthened my communication skills, helping me bridge the gap between students and faculty. Additionally, my problem-solving skills were put to the test when I successfully resolved a coursework deadline issue by liaising between students and lecturers. These experiences have equipped me with the ability to listen, communicate, and find solutions, making me a strong candidate for Education Officer.

Which three HSU policies do you think are the most important?

• Cost of living
• Sustainability
• Student employability

What other two issues/topics should be prioritised by your role?

Better Access to Essential Software: As an engineer, I understand how important software is in developing skills that align with labour market requirements. I will push for more relevant software to be freely available, along with improved remote access and better university-provided training, to ensure all students have the tools needed for success.

Improved Group Work Support: Group projects often face challenges like unequal participation, scheduling conflicts, and grading fairness. I will advocate for clearer university policies, conflict resolution support, and better collaboration tools to ensure a more efficient and fair group work experience for all students.

Why do you want to be elected as Business, Technology & Engineering Officer?

I am passionate about the inclusion of students' perspectives in decisions that concern them. I believe this can enhance student experience and performance while shaping a university system that empowers students with diverse needs. As a course representative, I have gained insights into key student concerns. Therefore, my goal as an Education officer is to represent student voices at the college level to address issues such as academic resource accessibility, mental health support, and the cost of living crisis. I hope to foster a more empowering community within the College of Business Technology and Engineering where all students can thrive.

What skills and experience do you have that would make you a good Officer?

Through my work experience, I have developed key skills in active listening, communication, adaptability, and strategic thinking. In project management roles, I gained an understanding of resource and time management, budgeting, stakeholder engagement, and a systematic approach to collaboration to achieve established objectives within set timelines. Additionally, my professional experience has largely focused on addressing issues that impact well-being, through which I've cultivated empathy, compassion, and a commitment to enhancing the quality of life. Currently, as a course representative, I have gained insight into university policies regarding students' rights, preparing me for the role of Education Officer within the BTE.

Which three HSU policies do you think are the most important?

• Mental health and wellbeing support
• Inclusive practice and lecture capture
• Cost of living

What other two issues/topics should be prioritised by your role?

The following will be prioritized in my role:

Course Rep Alliance:

Encouraging collaboration among course representatives within BTE programs is crucial. This initiative can foster a shared understanding and collaborative efforts regarding student issues, thus enhancing the link between students and the HSU. Course representatives are a vital connection to the student body; improving collaboration among them can increase their effectiveness.

Student Support Services:

Resources should be expanded to assist students in managing their workloads, as high workloads negatively impact students' learning experiences, leading to heightened stress and academic challenges. Tackling these issues requires close attention to ensure student satisfaction.

Why do you want to be elected as Business, Technology & Engineering Officer?

I'm passionate about the success of students from all backgrounds, in their time at university and their graduate roles. Representation of underrepresented groups and the awareness of wellbeing have been key drivers in my current role fuelling my desire for this next step. Everyone deserves an equal opportunity at success, my professional approach to everything and my previous experience as an estate agent are key reasons I am confident in my ability to strategically make a positive change to benefit the students in my college. However, I'll revisit my methods/plans while being open to guidance from reps to ensure success.

What skills and experience do you have that would make you a good Officer?

I am the current Lead Representative for the Engineering and Built Environment school. In this role, I have successfully developed lasting relationships with university staff enabling successful student representation within my school and providing a professional environment to encourage change to better the student experience. I have worked closely with our current College Officer to aid in the promotion of the wellbeing services though events, etc. I've also independently undertaken additional research into underrepresented groups in my school to develop a 'guide to successful representation' aiding in representation for students previously at risk of going unrecognised.

Which three HSU policies do you think are the most important?

• Mental health and wellbeing support
• Student employability
• Community, belonging, and academic societies

What other two issues/topics should be prioritised by your role?

Successful Representation is a key focus point for me as there are many students that are underrepresented due to lack of awareness. Success should be an equal opportunity to all, if representatives and/or staff are not aware of the underrepresented groups, it is impossible to guarantee this.

Course restructures and relevance of content. There have been many changes to courses this year, the overall relevance of some content within the course may not be clear. The increase of this content reduces the opportunity to discuss important topics beyond a surface level, increasing the requirement/expectation for independent study

Why do you want to be elected as Business, Technology & Engineering Officer?

If there is one thing I have been passionate about since childhood, it's business. I've always wanted to create strategies that drive innovation and make a lasting impact on the world. The world is becoming increasingly digital, so something in technology feels right - and of course, we need skills to build it, which makes engineering essential. This is why I chose business, technology, and engineering.

What I've lacked, though, is the self-confidence to share my ideas. I used to think I was the only one, but I've learned that many others feel this way, too. I want to be a voice for those who struggle to be seen and heard.

What skills and experience do you have that would make you a good Officer?

I believe a good leader is someone who listens, learns, and prioritizes the people, rather than claiming to have all the answers or the perfect qualifications. I'm not here to hype myself up with a list of skills; what makes me a good candidate is my genuine interest in helping students and being their voice at Sheffield Hallam.

This role isn't something I'll do alone - we'll do this together. I'm here to listen to your needs, not just assume what they are. I've been in your shoes, and all I wanted was to be heard.

Which three HSU policies do you think are the most important?

• Mental health and wellbeing support
• Student employability
• Community, belonging, and academic societies

What other two issues/topics should be prioritised by your role?

Improving Student Voice and Representation in Decision-Making: I would prioritize ensuring that student feedback doesn't just get collected - it gets acted upon. It's not enough to ask students what they think; they should see that their concerns and ideas are driving real change. I'd work towards building stronger systems for students to share their views directly with staff and leadership, making sure their voices are heard and make a meaningful impact on policies and decisions affecting their academic experience.

Building a More Inclusive Learning Environment: Many students in the College of Business, Technology, and Engineering may face barriers to feeling fully included in their academic communities.

Why do you want to be elected as Business, Technology & Engineering Officer?

The responsibility of education officer in built environment is enormous. Hence the application of available resources to resolve the needs of mankind. Improve our learning environment by making available pure and applied study tools, Enhance students IT skills through data science analysis, liaising with Companies to improve student employability and raise standard of living, Uplift student overall performance through robust academic writings, seminars and webinars . Encourage social and wellbeing of students through extra curriculum activities. Help students with loan and bursary application, develop community groups to encourage integration across ethics backgrounds, provide support for students living with disabilities.

What skills and experience do you have that would make you a good Officer?

Building and construction skills

Organisational skills

Good communication skills

Conflict resolutions

Managerial skills

Digital skills

Which three HSU policies do you think are the most important?

• Student employability
• Timetabling
• Academic misconduct and University regulations

What other two issues/topics should be prioritised by your role?

Fees, funding and bursary

Conflict Resolution