Matt Bramley: SU Postgraduate Officer Candidate
Her Campus Nottingham met with up Matt to find out why he’s running for the role of Postgraduate Officer! He studied Economics with French at UoN for his Undergraduate degree, and is now studying for a Masters in Behavioural Economics. He is on the PG Events Team and the Link 16 Conference Committee.
Hey Matt! What made you want to run for the Postgraduate Officer position?
Being a Postgraduate student at Nottingham has been amazing, but there were a few ways I noticed that the Students’ Union could be improved to make it more inclusive. Some of the changes are big, but some things are really simple, and I think I have the experience and ideas to make them happen.
Why do you think you’ll be good at the role?
I think firstly my experience working with the SU will be very important; Ive worked very closely with the current PG Officer and the PG Exec, leading organisation of the Winter Ball and working on the PG Events Committee.
I also have a good range of international experience, having worked and studied in several countries. A lot of Postgrads are international students and its important the Officer is able to reflect their views.
Lastly I think some of my life experience will be really useful in the role. Ive worked at the UK’s best student housing agency and managed big projects before so Im ready to hit the ground running.
What’s your favourite/the best part of your manifesto?
My favourite part is definitely increasing Postgraduate events. At the moment the university social scene really focuses on the undergrads, but my experience from the Winter Ball just confirmed to me that people want more Postgraduate- specific events. It was such a great night and we need more like it!
Is there anything in particular you think will be difficult to implement?
I think the major change needs to be in attitudes. The SU needs to approach Postgrads in a different way; we are such a diverse group and a one-size-fits-all tactic for improving Postgrad engagement may not work. We need to get better feedback from our Postgraduate students, and do it quicker, so we know what is working and what isn’t.
Can anyone vote for you, or do you have to be a postgraduate student?
Any UoN student can vote, and I would encourage you to check out all the manifestos. Even if you have no plans to do more studying, the officers all work together on lots of issues so they will have an impact in all areas!
Anything we should be looking out for during the next week of campaigning? Slogans, branding?
Look out for the Think Bramley logo, and the blue apples coming soon!
Anything else you’d like to add for our readers?
You will see a lot of people campaigning this week, and it may be easy just to vote for the candidate you’ve seen out and about with brightly coloured t shirts.
I would encourage everyone to actually read the manifestos because these people genuinely have a massive impact on your university experience, and there is a lot more to it than cardboard signs and banners!
QUICKFIRE ROUND
Ocean- yay or nay? Absolutely.
VKs or Jagerbombs? VK.
Pizza or pasta? Pasta.
Cats or dogs? Im allergic to both :/
If you were to go on Mastermind, what would your specialist subject be? 90s Footballers.
What would your dream job be? Running my own business.
Hallward or George Green? Hallward.
Gandalf or Dumbledore? Dumbledore.
McDonalds or KFC? McDonalds…
Thank you for time Matt- good luck with the rest of your campaign!