Just around a year ago we started following a number of students’ union sabbatical officers from the 2022/23 academic year.
They have been transitioning from sabbs to university staff members.
We then caught up with them in December and April – but now we hear from them for a final time as the cycle begins again with another set of SU officers.
We started by asking them for their top learning points from the last year – beginning with Ellie:
Everyone has a story! Being a disability advisor has been so interesting and insightful because I have met with so many wonderful students, with different conditions which often you wouldn’t even know they had. Their stories have been inspiring alongside their strength and determination. I’ve really learnt that I don’t know what anyone’s going through in their life and I should always keep that in mind.
A main thing I’ve learn this year is that I need a job where I can help others. Being a disability advisor has given me a lot of purpose, I love knowing the difference I’ve made to students journeys and knowing I can have that kind of impact on someone’s life definitely gives me a reason to wake up in the morning!
Perhaps unsurprisingly as someone supporting e-learning, Deb’s points include new technology:
Embracing new tools, like AI, has taught me the value of staying updated and adaptable to provide the best eLearning support. In a more traditional way though, working closely with academic staff and colleagues has shown me that effective communication and teamwork are key to achieving our goals and delivering great support.
Oscar picks up this theme at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine where he’s been helping a team of student officers. Who would have thought it was possible for a student officer team not to get along?
I think by their nature, SU’s should really be experts in resolving disputes or least they ought to have a strong bundle of methods in aiding student officers to work together. One of the clearest lessons I learnt this year was how important icebreakers and team exercises were to training. Had you asked me my opinion of these types of activities a year ago, I would have replied that they were somewhat useless.
What I found this year was that leaving people adequate time to get to know each other, especially early on, was fundamental. When there were inevitable moments of fallout, these students brought a level of empathy to the conversation and understanding in how their approaches may have differed. Setting time aside for people to get to know each other can be as important as the logistics of the job itself.
As well as the roles themselves, there have been lessons about the world of work generally, including from Ellie at the University of the Arts London:
Having a good manager is so important when it comes to work. I’ve been incredibly lucky this year to have a manager who consistently motivates and supports me. I’ve come a long way this year as a Disability Advisor and my manager has played a great role in that. This is something I want to hold onto throughout my career, because if I ever have to manage anyone I hope I can be as great as Becky has been!
Ch-Ch-Changes
We know the sector moves quickly – and so we asked if they thought there were any issues that you think are in play now that weren’t while they were officers. Here’s Deb, who was a sabb at the University of York:
One significant change at York is the increasing demand for hybrid learning solutions, as students and staff seek more flexible learning and teaching options post-pandemic. Additionally, the integration of AI and advanced technologies in educational tools has become more prevalent, necessitating new support structures and training.
Deb also has thoughts on barriers in the UK’s approach to students:
I have always been vocal about the challenges faced by international students, especially with the latest visa changes. It was already difficult to secure a job with sponsorship, and the new visa rules have made it even harder. This issue has been a major concern for the Universities in the UK, as the majority of funding for UK universities comes from international students. If these visa rules continue, it could pose a significant barrier to the future of universities.
Oscar, who was a sabb at Reading, agrees with this second point:
We should also not underestimate the impact the continual conversations around international students have had on the sector. Whilst the graduate visa was not scrapped, it feels this year has continued to deliver a negative narrative for international students. Having talked to many students, this creates a sense of uncertainty in the graduate route as well as the overall value of the ‘deal’ they are getting. Many students I talk to believe these decisions come from a place of animosity.
Ellie thinks things have got worse:
I can’t think of any issues that weren’t around during my time as an officer, but I can think of issues that are becoming more problematic as time goes on. I think cost of living is a big one. For instance housing costs for students are through the roof, they have gone up so much since I was a student and I don’t know how I would’ve managed if I was to go back now!
Another issue is mental health in students. I think Covid had a massive impact on many people’s mental health and caused a lot of individuals to become quite isolated, which can make it harder when joining university alongside other reasons mental health issues are on the rise. I think there needs to be a lot more mental health support!
If I knew then what I know now
What tips would they send back to themselves at the start of this year? Deb suggests:
Embrace the chaos, and don’t forget to bring an extra charger. Also, never underestimate the power of a well-timed coffee break—it can be the key to surviving the busiest of days!
Oscar agrees with this sage advice:
Build a routine and guard it. When you are brought in to deliver a project, it is incredibly tempting to mould your diary around competing actions and progressing parts of that project. I got carried away with this, and before I knew it weeks had passed, and I had not factored in the possibility of burnout.
Taking a few hours out at the same time each week can be immensely valuable to make sure you are looking ahead and measuring your own energy levels. If, like me, you struggle to put down work or structure yourself in a 9-5, just make sure you have some consistencies week-on-week. Had I done this when I started my position, I would have used my annual leave much more effectively and prioritised differently.
Ellie is upbeat about the opportunities being a sabb brings:
Cherish every moment! I was so excited going into my role as Disability Advisor, and I still feel I was right to be! I’ve an amazing year working for UAL, I’ve learnt so much that I believe will benefit me in both my personal and professional life. I’ve worked with brilliant people, inspiring students and had a great time along the way.
So what’s next for our cohort?
For Deb at York there’s a few things he wants to do:
In the coming year, I plan to further develop my skills in eLearning by pursuing relevant certifications. I also aim to travel to at least 4-5 countries to broaden my horizons and play more cricket and badminton.
Oscar aims to follow in the footsteps of our Prime Minister’s early career:
Aside from continuing my role at LSHTM I am also starting the Bar Course in September in my hope of eventually being able to qualify as a Barrister. In some sense I am inverting the structure of my past year, moving from full-time study and part-time work to full-time work and part-time study. My work is always varied and I often find myself applying knowledge in data compliance and regulation to the higher education space.
Finally, Ellie embraces the unknown:
The disability Advisor position I’ve been in was a maternity cover so I am currently looking for a new role! My plans for the next year are unclear so far, but my goal is to do something very similar to my current role. I want to work in the university environment, doing something that helps students, so I guess that’s the plan.
As we leave them at the end of the year we ask for them to send a message back to themselves as they start university employment – starting with Ellie.
One reason that being a disability advisor had been a dream job for me was because I was a disabled student, and my disability advisor made a massive positive impact on my life and my studies. This inspired me to want to do the same, and I really feel I have.
Unfortunately I have had times of poor health through the year, but UAL have been great at putting in adjustments for me and helping me to still do my best as a Disability Advisor. They really helped me achieve my full potential. They have been a truly wonderful employer and I feel so lucky to have had this opportunity.
Oscar:
Working for a university after being an SU Officer is great, provided it’s the right position and that its student interest that drive you. I have really enjoyed it and learnt a lot from it. Perhaps my only word of advice is, aim to work at a different university than the one you went to! LSHTM is completely different from the University of Reading and has its own unique challenges.
I feel like I have learnt as much from my change of context as I have from my change of role.
Deb notes the variety he’s experienced:
My experience as an eLearning Officer has been a rewarding rollercoaster ride. I’ve learned to juggle numerous tasks, from troubleshooting Blackboard issues to integrating cutting-edge AI tools. It’s been challenging yet immensely satisfying.
My biggest takeaway? Always expect the unexpected, and remember—every problem is just a cleverly disguised opportunity to learn (and maybe have a laugh or two along the way)!
We thank Deb, Ellie and Oscar for taking part in this project – and wish them all the best.
