As a student at Cambridge, you're no stranger to the rigour and intensity of academic life. But have you ever thought about the impact you could have beyond your studies? Running to be a Sabbatical Officer at Cambridge SU is an incredible opportunity for you to shape the student experience, improve university life, and make a difference for your peers. Here’s why you should consider running for a role:
1. Make a Tangible Impact
Sabbatical Officers at Cambridge SU play a crucial role in advocating for students and influencing university policy. Whether it’s pushing to abolish the postgrad application fee, supporting colleges to set up free prescription schemes, or addressing environmental sustainability at Cambridge, being in a leadership role gives you the platform to bring about real change. The work you do will affect not just your year, but future generations of students at Cambridge.
If you’re passionate about making a difference and tackling issues that matter to students, this is your chance to take action at the highest level.
2. Develop Valuable Leadership Skills
Being a Sabbatical Officer is a transformative experience. It’s a chance to develop leadership skills, work with a diverse group of people, and gain experience that will serve you well in your future career. You’ll gain invaluable insights into governance, public speaking, team management, negotiation, and decision-making, all of which are highly sought after by employers. These roles provide you with unique and highly transferable skills that can open doors to a wide range of career opportunities, whether in public policy, advocacy, business, or beyond. The work you do will showcase your ability to lead, communicate, and advocate for causes you care about—qualities that employers value. This isn’t just about improving student life, it’s also about enhancing your own personal and professional development.
3. Represent Students
As a Sabbatical Officer, you’re not just representing yourself, you’re representing the entire student body. You’ll be the voice of thousands of students, ensuring that their needs and concerns are heard by the university. Whether it’s working with faculty, administration, or other external organisations, you’ll be in a position to make sure students’ views are at the forefront. It’s a role that requires empathy, strong communication, and a commitment to representing all corners of the student body. The work can be challenging, but it’s always centered around making a positive impact on students, which can be incredibly fulfilling.
4. Work With a Diverse and Passionate Team
Cambridge is made up of people from all walks of life, with a broad range of passions and expertise. When you join the team as a Sabbatical Officer, you’ll collaborate with talented individuals who share your dedication to improving student life. Working together with others who are just as passionate about change can be one of the most rewarding aspects of the role. You’ll also get to engage with a wide variety of student organisations, societies, and networks, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the University community.
5. Shape University Policy
If you've ever felt like university policy doesn’t reflect the needs of students, being a Sabbatical Officer puts you in the position to change that. Cambridge is an institution with a rich history, but that doesn’t mean its policies can’t evolve to meet the demands of modern students. As an Officer, you’ll work alongside University leadership to negotiate and influence key decisions that affect everyone—from workload to student wellbeing, diversity, and sustainability. Your role will give you direct input into shaping policies that impact your peers and future students.
6. Leave a Legacy
As a Sabbatical Officer, you have the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy at Cambridge. Whether you’re creating opportunities for societies, leading campaigns for mental health resources, or developing widening participation initiatives, the work you do could have a lasting impact on the university for years to come. Your contributions will shape the future of the student experience, and you’ll be remembered for your efforts in making Cambridge a better place for students.
Still unsure?
Running to be a Sabbatical Officer at Cambridge SU is more than just a leadership role—it’s a chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of students. Whether you’re passionate about student welfare, ethical and environmental issues, diversity, or education policy, there’s a place for you to bring about change. The skills, experience, and networks you gain will not only help you during your time at Cambridge but will also set you up for success in your future endeavours.
So, if you’re ready to make a tangible difference, take on a challenge, and leave a legacy, running for a Sabbatical Officer position at Cambridge SU might just be the opportunity you’ve been looking for!