Postgraduate Education Officer – Anna McDermott
I’m Anna McDermott, I’m a philosophy Masters student, running for Postgraduate Education.
“Collaborative Minds, Community Progress”
How do you aim to help postgraduate students in the midst of financial hardship?
My main thing would be to talk to students; forms and the like are not good. Speaking to people, you find out really what’s wrong, and common themes. It’s my goal to lobby with the other officers, as they have fantastic manifestos. I know the of the progress the SU has been doing with the swap shop and the pantry, and so I defintely want to continue doing that. I hope to get other organisations, like Translink with transport, but also talk to lecturers, such as changing lecture times; that’s been an issue where students couldn’t make it in on time, or they’re otherwise spending £17 on a return bus ticket.
What do you think isn’t been done by the SU enough for PGs?
Funding. Definitely. Particularly for certain courses, it’s inaccessible. You’re left alone, particularly with PhD students. It’s totally inaccessible, and also really time consuming, especially for those working full-time, or part-time along their course. So having a place where students can have the stock that has everything of what they have to do, and then working with the various organisations and institutions.
What experience – in SU and general student involvement – can you bring to this role?
I’ve worked with different philosophy organisations, and organised national conferences; my whole thing is student voice. I’ve spoken to students who’ve had fantastic dissertations ideas – and topics – but they didn’t have the confidence nor space to talk about it. I want to create those spaces, and to help postgraduates gain a platform in the job market and academic institutions, so that they know where they’re going; to create a career path in quite an uncertain time for postgraduates, particularly during the cost-of-living crisis.
What do you do in your free time?
Play video games; I don’t like saying this, but League of Legends, and Deep Rock. Sometimes The Sims. Depends on the mood.
In 5 words or less, what is your campaign about?
Community, progress and collaboration.
You can read Anna’s manifesto here.
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