Check out this article from outgoing Sunderland SU President Chloe Jackson about being a Full Time Officer
"In July 2013 I won my first election, and in 2015 my second. Becoming a sabbatical officer was something I never thought I would do. But something I would do 100 times over. There is no experience like it. From sitting in a class room while you’re lecturers talk at you….to sitting across a table from them and making decisions about future students to come with them. Over the two years I learnt more than any girl the age of 20 could only dream of. I made friends from across the country. Fought for student’s rights and got to make a real change I could see for myself. I would encourage any and all students to look at becoming an officer….What do you have to lose?? Nothing! What do you have to win? Real life experience amazing friends better memories and the ability to make a real change at your University and to help make changes to other Universities and Student Unions across the country. Being a female President was the most rewarding part of my journey. It was not an easy one. I ran against friends in my elections as well as 3 men. I was the first female to go from Education and Welfare to President. Although the man before me had done the same thing it was different. I had support not just from my friends not just from students on campus but sabbatical officers from across the entire country. It is like being part of a HUGE family. The night the results were said I was more than happy! I had done it I was the President. Being in the freezing cold for hours at a time had all been worth it. I still say to this say that having a horrific told for around 2 weeks after results day was worth it.
But here I sit 3 years later. With life experience I could never have dreamed off. A better understanding of Universities and what they do for their students on a day by day basis and a smile. I smile because I know that the difference I see I was part of that. I was part of something bigger. I am only happy to talk about it in job interviews. I am more than happy when I speak to a fellow officer who is doing something different with their life because they become an officer.
If you don’t think you could do it…you can. Student Unions do everything they can to help officers. Training with hundreds of other people just like you with NUS. Doing things you never thought you could do. Have you ever sat in a lecture and thought wow this is boring?? Change it. Have you ever looked at your library and thought there isn’t enough books? Change it. Feel something is worth changing in your University? Go for it. It is an experience I will never forget an experience that has changed my life in so many different ways and something I would encourage anyone to do. Don’t let anything keep you back."
Chloe Jackson, Sunderland SU President 2013 - 2015