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► Darren Jones


Darren Jones
President 
2008/09



 

Did you enjoy being a Sabbatical officer?
Very much so - one of the best years of my career so far.

What experience can you take from being in office?
So many. Experience of helping to run a £3m charity. Experience of board level leadership, including on university board of governors. Experience of PR, campaigns and stakeholder management. The opportunities are endless.

What would you do differently as a Sabb if you could go back and change anything?
Try not to get so absorbed in the drama of it all - recognising that your main job is representing students.  

What was your most memorable moment being a Sabb?
Having lunch with the Prime Minister at Number 10. Also getting to go to China and the USA.

Do you think you need to know a lot about the UPSU before being Sabbatical Officer?
It would help if you cared about it and had some ideas, yes! I wouldn’t worry on technical knowledge though, you’ll learn this quickly.

What qualities would be good for someone looking to do your role?
Strength of character - it’s a tough job.

  

What do you miss about being a sabbatical officer?
The ability to make a difference.

Do you think being a sabbatical officer has benefited you to further your career?
I’m currently training as a commercial lawyer, this only happened because of my experience at UPSU. I was a human bioscience graduate!

What do you hope you have been remembered for as your time as a Sabb?
Leading organisational change

Would you recommend being a sabbatical officer to a friend?
Absolutely, can I have another go?  

 

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