Opportunities to Build Skills and Work Experience

York SU Opportunities

Societies

• The diverse types of societies at the University of York offer an array of opportunities for students to delve into fields such as media or to  start a new hobby and socialise with other like-minded students.

• Positions of responsibility within student groups are also possible if you wish to hold a committee position, and be involved in the planning and running of the groups activities. This usually happens during Semester 2.

• Besides that, opportunities to become a rep is available through elections held every year during Semester 2.

• Check out more information on Societies at the University of York here.

Academic Reps

Becoming an Academic Rep will not only give you a chance to improve the experience for students at the University, but you'll also gain some valuable skills. You'll be given full training and support from the York SU Student Voice team, as well as being part of a dynamic peer network of Reps across the University.

Each Department has it's own unique approach to Academic Representation to work best for their students.

You can read descriptions for each Department on this page. 

Networks

The Students' Union has 20 different networks, which are social groups made up of people with a shared identity, whether that is background, learning type or culture. They are driven by students to run events and meetups that provide opportunity to build genuine connections, creating a safer and inclusive campus. They are a great way to meet people, support fellow students and build a community. Head over to the Union's Networks page to learn about the different networks and how to get involved.  

Academic and Equalities Committees

The committees are made up of students who are from historically marginalised communities and diverse academic backgrounds. They advocate for students of varying intersectionalities, representing multifaceted identities, and advocate for students within Union and University decision making processes. Students are elected on to the Committees every autumn (nominations open Weeks 2-3, voting Week 5). You can learn more about these committees on York SU's Officers page. 

Leadership Opportunities

The opportunities within Sports, Societies and Volunteering at YorkSU are open to all, so if you just want to turn up and get involved each week, these are all open to you. However, if you are interested in gaining experience in a leadership capacity, and want to play a part in leading a group, and working alongside a committee in organising the activities that the group offers, you can also run in the group's election. If successful, on a committee you will be responsible for a certain part of the group, such as managing the group's finances, creating social media content or managing the group's emails. 

Committee elections are held in Semester 2 each year, but positions become vacant throughout the academic year so do get in touch with the student group you're involved in if you are interested in a role on a committee.

Volunteering

Volunteering Opportunities with York SU

• Volunteering Projects at University of York offer students the opportunity to build skills and give back to your community while making new friends. Whatever your reasoning for wanting to get involved, York SU provides a vast amount of opportunities for you to engage with through our Volunteering offer. From volunteering in the City Centre to support students during our club nights, or educating children in local schools, colleges and nurseries, there is something for everyone, no matter your interest. 

• Some volunteering projects also offer flexible opportunities for those looking for a low-commitment option, or those that have less time to give. Others may require more training which all provided as part of the volunteer role.

• More information on volunteering at York SU can be found on the York SU Volunteering page.

Volunteering Opportunity with the University of York

• The University offer a variety of roles with varying levels of commitment. 

• To find out more about the different opportunities on offer, check out the University webpages and apply on Handshake. 

Placements

What is a Placement or Year in Industry?

• A placement is a structured work experience opportunity that can be integrated into your studies, giving you a substantial amount of work experience that is recognised within your degree title. Your degree title may either include it as 'with placement year' or 'with year in industry', depending on your department, route of study and the type of placement that you complete. 

• Many organisations offer placement opportunities and they are a great way of developing your employability skills while getting a flavour of a particular working environment. Placements generally last between 9-12 months and are usually aimed at penultimate year undergraduates.

The University's Placement Year Google Site offers tips on where to look for placements, answers common questions, explains how to book an appointment, as well as highlighting student stories and where previous students have been. 

Entrepreneurial Opportunities

Resource and support

• Check out the university resource and funding available for budding enterprises at University of York. 

Part-Time Work

To find out more about working whilst you study, and what part-time jobs might be available during your time at York, visit the 'Working Whilst you Study' section of the Hub.

Funding Support

Funding is available from a range of different sources that can support you with the financial costs of getting involved in a range of different opportunities at York.

York Futures Scholarship

York Futures Scholarships are designed to support current undergraduate home students to improve their personal and professional development by allowing them to access employability experiences they would otherwise not be able to afford.

Eligibility, Levels of Funding and Application Dates are all available to view on the University Website.

York SU Activities Access Grant

The York SU Activities Access Grant allows any members of sports clubs, societies, media groups or volunteering projects, to apply for reimbursement of student group related costs. To find out more, visit the York SU Website.

BAME Development Fund

The BAME Student Development Fund is open to all BAME students at the University of York. This fund will allow BAME students to access financial support to engage in aspects of career development, skills training and local initiatives in York. For information on applications, please contact engagement@yorksu.org

University of York Community Fund

The University Community Fund, supported by Portakabin, aims to encourage innovation and support volunteers/social entrepreneurs from the University to work with the community to address a community need. 

Cost of Living Resources can also be found on our website.