Being a Vice President: Interview with Katie Dragomirova
Want to know a bit more about what your elected MDXSU do for you? Or maybe you're thinking about standing for a position in the MDXSU Elections and want to know what it really entails?
We spoke to the wonderful Katie Dragomirova, MDX International Politics graduate and current MDXSU Vice President Business and Law, about what her job involves and any tips she has for students nominating themselves in this year's elections!
Tell us a bit about you - something that people wouldn't already know!
I can’t ride a bike… but today - Wednesday 22nd February 2017 - I rode one of the FreeWheelers campus bikes for whole six seconds! I am really proud, please don’t laugh.
What did you study at Middlesex University and why?
In my last two years in high school I volunteered in the Bulgarian Red Cross Youth. Alongside a wonderful team we led one-of-a-kind campaigns, and this inspired me to apply for a politics degree abroad so I would be able to create campaigns that were even bigger and even more effective. Now I am a proud Middlesex University graduate with 2:1 in International Politics!
Describe being a full-time Student Officer in three words?
Exhilarating, fulfilling and fun!
Why did you decide to stand to be Vice President Business and Law in last year's Elections?
Since my first year I have volunteered in various ways with the Students’ Union. After building up three years of experience I wanted to help our students enjoy their time in university as much as I did and even more.
If you weren’t VP Business and Law, what full-time or part-time role would you have stood for?
Democracy and Involvement Committee #yaydemocracy
Talk us through an average day being Vice President!
Once I get into the office I check if anyone has brought in any cookies/cake :) I first check my emails and then usually have a few meetings with the university and MDXSU staff before noon. After that I tend to go around campus, talking to my friends and meeting with students. My favourite part of my job is going to society meet-ups and socials, and not to forget our monthly MDXSU House Parties.
What have been your biggest achievement in your role?
The #FreePeriods campaign. Definitely. I am so happy to have the support of so many women and even men! From now on every Tuesday you can come and collect a free pack of tampons, pads or a mooncup from our MDXSU Welcome Desk, or pick them up at cost-price during the rest of the week.
What changes have you made in your Schools?
This year I am organising the Business & Law Careers Fair where you can find employers such as IBM and the Government Legal Services! This is a great opportunity for both graduates and students looking for placements or internships. Apart from that I’ve been supporting the smooth run of all Business and Law Academic Societies and ensuring their active engagement with the Students' Union. Last but not least, I am proud to say that we have students in the grand finale of the Barnet Entrepreneurship Competition which I have been promoting since the start of my job!
How has being a Vice President helped you to progress in your career?
It teaches you all the necessary employability skills, especially teamwork.
What was campaigning in the MDXSU Elections like?
I <3 campaigning as you may know already. It’s probably my favourite part of the job!
What would be your biggest campaign tip to students running this year?
Just go out and talk to students. Hear them out and stay positive!
What was it like finding out you’d won?
It was the happiest moment of my life. I couldn’t believe it...!
What would you say to anyone who is undecided about whether to run for any position this year?
Do it. It’s the best experience you will ever have.
What are your plans next?!
Starting my career in politics… and maybe do Masters degree.
You can find out more about Katie here.
If you're feeling inspired by Katie's interview, head over to our MDXSU Elections pages to find out how you could be stood in her shoes from July!
Click here to view the full-time, paid and part-time positions available, or read our Elections FAQs pages for more information.
Fancy a chat or some tips? Head over to our pop-up SU in MDX House, 11am-3pm daily between Monday 27th February and Friday 3rd March, where we'll be talking elections and giving training and support on everything from manifesto-writing to campaigning!
Not around on campus? Don't worry - email us at studentvoice@mdx.ac.uk or drop into the MDXSU office (we're downstairs in MDX House!)
