BA Geography student Jake Verity has been elected President of the Students’ Union. Jake, who is currently President of GeogSoc, will head the Students’ Union Officer Team for the 2019/2020 academic year. Altogether 8270 students voted in the SU Officer elections.
Jake is keen to build on the skills he has learnt from his time as GeogSoc president. “The impact that GeogSoc have made this year has made me want to do this at the Students’ Union. I want to reciprocate the belief that people showed in me.”
Jake is currently coming to the end of his three-year course. “The last three years have been brilliant. It is nice to move onto this next chapter but good to still be in Sheffield. I feel like I have unfinished business here.”
Jake’s campaign was based around five main policies. He wanted to create a mental health forum within the Students’ Union, as well as ensuring there were cheap bus and tram fares for students. His commitment to sustainability is also shown in his desire to launch a student-led eco-friendly music and arts festival.
He also wants to create an internship networking site to help students progress to their next chapter, and he is keen to launch a SU app, with digital uCards, and which will host monthly forums with the sabbatical officers.
Jake feels that his time in the Department of Geography has put him in good stead to be SU President. He says his presentation skills, being able to speak to crowds and his overall confidence levels have improved over his time at University, as well as his time management.
“The department is good at instilling confidence and pushing you out of your comfort zone with field trips you get to go on. Being able to speak to alumni through the department was also invaluable. They gave me confidence as well as a lot of advice.”
So what advice would Jake give to those thinking of studying Geography, or those who are currently in first year? “Immerse yourself in extracurricular activities,” he says. “Your degree is pivotal, but what you do beyond that makes you who you are as a person.”
For a full list of the new SU Officer Team, please visit the Students' Union website.