Uni is about so much more than lectures, deadlines, and working your way through an ever-growing reading list. For me, some of the most valuable things I’ve gained at York didn’t come from a seminar room… they came from student leadership roles!
From college sports to academic societies and school-level representation, getting involved has grown my confidence, my friendships, and my future potential. If you’re curious about committees, volunteering, or leadership opportunities at York, this blog’s for you.
Starting Small: My Early Leadership Roles
I started uni as a fresher at Constantine College and decided to pick netball back up (after a fair few years off!). A few months in, an Instagram post popped up saying Constantine College Netball Club (CCNC) were looking for a First Year Representative. This role was the perfect introduction to committee life. It was low-pressure, gave me a chance to organise a social and trial being a committee member to see if it was for me. I loved it!
Another low-pressure role I took on was being a STYC (Second and Third Year Contact). This role is on the University of York bingo card- most people I know have done it! Leading a flat through Freshers’ Week, from campus tours to group photoshoots, was a fun, easy way to gain some CV experience.
Levelling Up: Social Secretary Life
My 1st year experience gave me the confidence to apply for Social Secretary of CCNC in my 2nd year. In this role, I started to gain some real skills such as organisation, multitasking and communication, by balancing running socials and committee responsibilities alongside my degree. Also, some of the memories I made in this role, like race days with the netball girls and Wednesday socials, are highlights of my time at uni.
Also in 2nd year, I applied to be Events Officer for the Social Policy Society. Getting involved in a society linked to my degree (Criminal Justice and Social Policy) was such a good decision. Not only did I meet older students (who had previously done my modules and gave amazing advice), but I also got to connect with professionals in my field when organising talks and workshops. It genuinely opened doors and allowed me to connect my degree to the real world.
Stepping Into Senior Leadership
Knowing how much I enjoyed being on the committee and how beneficial it was for me, I ran for Vice President of the Social Policy Society in my 3rd year. The leadership experience in a role like this is unmatched. I was constantly developing skills like accountability, initiative, decision-making, and problem-solving. Also, on a personal level, being VP introduced me to some of the best friends I have made at uni. Skills development + friendships = no brainer!
Beyond Societies: School Reps, Colleges & Volunteering
All of my 1st and 2nd year roles gave me great interview material, which helped me secure the role of School Representative for the School for Business and Society in 3rd year. This has been a more professional leadership experience, from leading course reps to chairing Student Staff Forums; it’s helped me build confidence and given me insight into how to conduct myself in formal settings.
York also offers loads of volunteering opportunities, from community projects and charities to working with schools. College committees are another great option too- whether you’re interested in welfare, sport, social events, or inclusion, there’s usually a role that fits.
How I Got Involved (And How You Can Too!)
Every role I’ve mentioned had a slightly different application process, but they all started the same way: being a member first.
Most societies and college committees post their openings on Instagram, usually towards the end of the academic year. Applications might involve:
- A written task explaining why you’d be good for the role
- Giving a speech at elections
- Society members voting for candidates
For example, for the Social Policy Society, I wrote a few paragraphs explaining why I’d be a good VP, which was then shared with and voted on by members. For CCNC, I prepared a speech and presented it at the elections. It sounds scary, but putting yourself up for a role is a great first step and, whatever the outcome, it’s always great experience.
What’s In It For You?
These roles have been invaluable for my graduate job applications. I’m currently applying for grad schemes focused on project management, and I use examples from my committee experience all the time!
More than that, student leadership helped me make the most of my time at York. I gained confidence, lifelong friends, and experiences I’ll genuinely carry with me beyond uni.
So if you’re even thinking about getting involved, take this as your sign.
Thanks for reading!
Em (she/her)
Leave a Reply