Andrew Smirthwaite, Student President (2019-2021)
In my time as Student President I enjoyed working with the Student Association team to improve student life in the college. I enjoyed interacting with students who came forward with issues which we always try to help to resolve or find a person who can help as well as interacting with the Executive committee students who had volunteered their times to help us produce ideas.
Being in this role, I learnt how to communicate more effectively with a wider range of people, helped organising large events such as freshers, delivered training to class reps, visited other colleges and student associations for events.
The things I learnt in my role helped me get a job straight after I finished my role as it shows a level of responsibility and management. But everyone in the Student Association supported me through my time as student president, and there are multiple organisations external to the Student Association who are there to help as well!
Lindsay Graham, Vice President (2018-2020)
Being Vice President for two years was a job like no other. No sum of money could ever buy the experience, places that I got to or the confidence that the role gave me. I made a lot of friends along the way. Best of all, I got to work on a lot of projects that even now is still making a difference to Students at FVC.
Lorraine Simpson, Student President (2014-2016)
I worked with a brilliant team and together we managed the 3 main campuses and covered areas like Equality & diversity, Health & Wellbeing, Learner Engagement, Learner Progression and Events. We worked closely with Curriculum teams and always tried to include the learner voice in all the decisions we made and work we carried out. During this time I developed many skills that would become very beneficial to me in my later career, these included people skills, management, budgeting, planning, problem solving, organisation and leadership. I also gained knowledge of the FE sector, college systems, and the learner journey. This enabled me to apply for a job in Student Services when I finished as Student President.
I worked at the college as an advisor for a year, then went on to work in Learner Support and Engagement at The University of Stirling. I now run my own business in the events industry, which might sound completely random, but my degree was actually in Art & Design so it did make sense in the end!
I also worked as a Student Team Member for Education Scotland during my time as President, which allowed me to go to other colleges and speak to learners there, to find out about their experience, and even now I still work there as a Student Team Member trainer when needed, so I get to travel all over Scotland's Colleges speaking to learners, an opportunity I would never have had without being part of the Student Association.
So if it's something you are thinking about, I 100% encourage you to do it, as the knowledge and skills you gain, as well as the relationships you'll make, really are invaluable.
David Gentles, Student President (2012-2014) and Vice President (2014-2016)
Taking on the role of sabbatical officer completely altered my ambitions in life, working within various roles within the Student Association for 4 years enabled me to learn more about the inner workings of the college, collaborating with other departments and developing my own projects. The skills which you develop are key to future employment, enhancing your CV and opening door to new and exciting opportunities.
I have been lucky enough to find employment within the college after my term, something which I had never considered prior to taking on the role
Deborah Jackson, Vice President (2014-16)
As an officer I was able to support/implement/address issues and topics that were important to the student body at FVC.
During my terms, I was able to deliver Scottish Metal Health First Aid to students as a means of peer support to their fellow classmates. This was also an enjoyable skill that helped to raise awareness and tackle the stigma and discrimination that still surrounds the topic.
I supported students with projects, provided positive support and encouragement to attend the gym (acting as a buddy to reduce anxiety or just to be a source of support). I actively assisted students to raise money and awareness for causes and issues important to them, and was fortunate to participate in an international learning experience.
By being an officer with the Students Association, the skills I ascertained have been invaluable. From sitting with board members to relay student needs, wants and issues, to public speaking enhancing my confidence, knowledge and skills in all areas of my personal and professional life. The experience not only readied me for work in social care but also in life.
I am now currently an Assistant Resource Manager with Falkirk Council , and was recently awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) by HRM in 2021 for services throughout the Covid pandemic.
I am extremely proud of my time as on officer at FVC and would encourage anyone to run. Being an officer allows you to implement change and to make a real difference.
