1: You (obviously) get to stay in Newcastle
If you’re feeling a bit blue about the prospect of leaving Newcastle behind, becoming a Sabbatical Officer gives you another year of living the Geordie dream! It can be tough leaving University after finishing your degree, perhaps you feel you could have done more with your time at Newcastle, or you’re simply not ready to launch into a career yet. Being a Sabbatical Officer offers you a year to get a feel for the working world within a familiar environment and can be a fantastic learning experience.
2: A graduate income
You don’t have to jump ship to start earning yourself a respectable graduate income; your own NUSU can offer you a salary as good as any other graduate opportunity! Having a graduate income can completely change your day to day life in Newcastle (no more student budgets!) and will ease you into the experience of having an expendable income. Not to mention that housing prices and bills are drastically cheaper up here any other metropolitan city. That means even more extra cash to spend!
3: Increase your employability
Being a Sabbatical Officer isn’t just a one year benefit; it’ll boost your employability right out of the experience. Employers are always looking for applicants with that extra edge and being able to talk about your experience as a Sabbatical Officer will definitely put you in the spotlight. The year of work will set you up perfectly for whatever comes next, and can even help you realise where your strengths and weaknesses lie so you can leave the job, and Newcastle, being the best you possible.
4: Build self-confidence
As well as boosting employability, the support provided throughout the year of work will have you strutting into future jobs like you own the place. Leaving university behind and jumping straight into a job is never going to be a confident experience; your sabbatical year will help you find your feet when you do make that jump. The job allows you to work alongside likeminded people in an environment that promotes confidence building within NUSU and equips you with the self-confidence to excel in your future career.
5: Expand your skills
Finally, becoming a Sabbatical Officer will stretch out your skill set wherever possible. The job encourages you to push your own limits and provide you with responsibilities that can reflect your interests but allow you to turn them into practical skills; be it lobbying, representing, leading, or even just meeting new people. As a senior member of the University and a voice for your student population, you will undoubtedly pick up some new skills and exercise existing ones throughout the year. So, what are you waiting for? Get yourself nominated!