MDXSU mythbusts...running for elected office
There are plenty of myths about running for an elected position - 9 in fact. We've busted all of 'em so that you're able to go on and make the changes you want to see at Middlesex.
Which myths do you believe? Read on to find out...
Myth 1: Only very ‘popular’ students win
Knowing people that you can talk to about elections and encourage to vote for you can help, but with thousands of votes cast in some elections, it’s unlikely that all of them will know any candidate personally!
All candidates are given the same information and budget to run their campaign too. Winning votes is more dependent on meeting new people, learning from them and showing that you are able to help them, rather than being known for throwing big parties.
Myth 2: Running for election is too time-consuming - my uni work will suffer
The campaigning and voting period is only 5 days, so if you plan to get your that week’s work done in advance you can focus on your campaign. You can also recruit friends to help you get word out on campus, so that you can make time for your lectures and work.
All the candidates in the elections are other students, so everyone has the same issue with balancing their time commitments.
Myth 3: You need to be a good public speaker to win
You don’t need to be an extrovert - everyone has different skills and yours may be what reaches the widest audience. You could hand out flyers, put up posters, send emails, use social media, start a blog, or write for the MDX Times - all on top of giving the usual speeches. You can also assemble a campaign team who are able to help you with skills that you’d like to strengthen.
You’ll get a chance to learn from a public speaking expert too - all candidates will be offered training, so running for election will help you dispel any fears and learn a new skill.
Myth 4: My non-university commitments mean I can’t run
If you have a part-time job or caring responsibilities, the best thing to do is recruit friends to help run your campaign alongside you and cover for you when you can’t be around. You can also campaign online, using social media and blogging, when you can’t be on campus.
Your perspective as a student with responsibilities outside of university may well help you win votes - many students are in the same position and may appreciate having you as their representative.
If elected to a full time position, you will be paid a salary to work full time, receive 25 days of annual leave, and be located right next to the campus creche - perfect for childcare.
Myth 5: Taking a year out will affect my employability
You’re right - it’ll make you more employable!
Working as an elected officer is a great way to prove to potential employers that you are a good bet. During your year-long post, you’ll act as a project manager, a negotiator, a communicator, and a leader. You’ll chair meetings and committees, organise events, attend board meetings and act as an advocate for others.
All of the experience you gain through these responsibilities will highly transferable, and give you a series of strong talking points that will impress at job interviews.
Journalist Liz Rawlings was a sabbatical officer at Edinburgh university, and she says that her time at EUSA ‘absolutely helped me get a job at the BBC – they told me so!
‘Being a sabbatical officer shows you’re a go-getter and that you’re passionate and engaged in the world around you. Which employer wouldn’t want that in a staff-member? I worked hard as a Sabbatical, had a lot of fun, learnt invaluable new skills and made lifelong friends. Go for it!’
Myth 6: You have to be a third year to run
Nope – any student enrolled at Middlesex university in any year is entitled to run for an elected position. Because you’re a member of MDXSU, you’re also a potential officer - whatever year you’re in!
Unless you are graduating this year, you will need to take a year out of your studies to be a full-time officer, so it’s worth discussing this with your programme leader or Unihub in order to confirm that this is right for you.
Myth 7: It’s not legitimate for me to speak for students outside my School
These elections are designed to find the candidate who is best at speaking for all students - that’s why officers are elected by students. If you win an election, it’s proof that your campaign messages and manifesto commitments are things that all students want to see.
If you win the election you will then be supported by the staff team at MDXSU. They’ll provide evidence and research to help you represent students fairly and accurately. We won’t expect you to know all the answers to what students want - but we will help you find out!
Myth 8: Student officers need to be politically engaged and that’s not my thing
All you need to be a student officer is the desire to change the experience at Middlesex for the better, if you have this, you’ll make a great officer, and the staff team at the Students’ Union will work with you to develop any skills and knowledge you need.
We don’t expect officers to have any prior levels of knowledge of how things work within or outside the university. If you are elected you will attend training which will give you the information you need to do your job.
Myth 9: Someone else will win whatever I do
Elections are about persuading people to vote for you, and during the campaign you do this by talking to students about your policies.
Everyone who puts in the time and effort to genuinely engage with students about why they want to be an officer has a good chance of winning. There are no ‘certain winners’ in any election; it’s about trying to persuade the highest possible number of students that you would be a good officer, and that you can represent them.
The person who does this best is the winner, but everyone has an equal chance from the offset!
If you have any further questions about running for office, we’re here to help. Elections drop-in sessions are held every weekday from 12pm – 2pm in the MDXSU office, downstairs in the Forum, until Wednesday 26 February.
If these times don't work for you, feel free to drop by during the day and we'll find a way to help. Not able to make it onto campus? Call us on 0208 411 6450 or email us at studentvoice@mdxsu.com!
