Hi guys,

I'm in a bit of a fix at the moment as I've just been sent something through one of my contacts and I've looked at it and it seems right up my street.

You can find the website here (http://www.russellmission.com) and I really want to apply for a position of the Network team.

Last year I was an FE advocate for the Association of Colleges and the National Union of Students and this role required me to work as part of a team of students who were the media front men for FE government lobbying. Along with this was the fact I got to discuss FE policy with MPs and really make my voice heard.

I can see my skills being something that would be ideal for this position and I really want to continue the work I have done, even if I cannot still be an FE advocate (I'm a higher education student now).

My dilemma is that of the usual, am I putting too much on my plate, I'm already doing the first year of a course I've dreamed about doing for the last 2 years, and I'm already running to make a difference to my Universities Students' Union via being a course representative and a member of Union Council (the governing body of the union).

Will I be spreading myself too thin? Will the skills I will gain from doing this make up for it, by doing so much now, I know selfishly I'll have begun my profiling for some politically related work throughout my University career. This will become non-stop and am I throwing away my social life too early? I love doing the work and aim to become a major voice for student representation but that means I want to do a good job.

If I do try and get this position, will I be making sure that someone who may not be a suitable but will be able to put more effort in doesn't get the position? I am committed but it is a lot of work alongside all my other activities.

So thats my Dilemma, should I go for it and take every opportunity I can, or should I relax a bit settle down first. My life was totally whirlwind last year and I found I could cope, even if I didn't know if I was coming or going. Now I've the added thing of being away from home etc.

Help me please!

Wilf

Looks to me as if its a 1 year appointment - could you curtail your Union Council activities for 1 year - the experience you could gain from this YAB thing would probably help your chances of getting onto the Union Council...

It does sound like a fantastic opportunity. Only you know how much you can take on without breaking, but maybe look for a less demanding role at manchester for the first year or so, that way you can still be involved in both activities...

good luck mate!

Union council isn't that huge a responsibility, it's much less meetings than the YAB so I could do both to be honest. I'm more worried about it and my course requirements. I know I can do the work, I have some of the skills from my student union activity, on both a local and national scale and can learn the rest very quickly.

I guess I just don't want to focus down the politics path at the expense of my media course, which I'm also passionate about. I can do both, just can't decide whether it'd be a half arsed job on both.

I expect the others to be doing the same as me though, they'll be in FTE cos 6 weeks between meetings isn't a full time job.

Wilf

Yes, I would assume that everyone will be in the same boat in that respect. Maybe have a word with your course tutors - explain your concerned that taking on the YAB might affect your work, and get them to give you a heads-up (or a kick in the butt) if your course work starts to slip.

Its when you discover your work suffering that youll have to make the difficult decision. However, the YAB site FAQ appears to suggest that this is a 'forseeable' problem - "What if I join and my circumstances change?" - I think they expect some people will need to make a Course/YAB decision at some point over the year and are geared up to handle it.

Whats the worst case? Maybe you have to can your social life for 6 months afterwards to catch up? If its a 1year from Dec05 - youll be done at about half-way through your second year. That should be enough to turn it around if youve let your course work slide...

31 views! One reply! come on people, help out a forummer in need!

Wilf

Apply.
Go for the interview (if selected).
If you are offered a position, then start to make your mind up.

We will still be here!:)

Thats the thing, I've been headhunted from past experience and reccomendations. They've told me applying is just a formality.

Wilf

Then tell them that you want a paid position!!!

Good old Blunkett, trying to claim he is "revolutionising" something.

Seriously, I would accept the post. It should not be too demanding.

I say go for it.

It seems that you remit will be a lot broader than just concentrating on students. It looks a great opportunity to make a diferent on a far larger scale.

why not get more info from them on exactly how much time it will take?