Here are five reasons why standing for election could be one of the best decisions you make this year.

Reason 1: Personal and professional growth

Step outside your comfort zone and discover what you're capable of.

Running for a Student Leadership role is an opportunity to build confidence, develop new skills, and grow as a person. You'll gain hands-on experience that goes far beyond lectures and assessments, from speaking to large groups and running meetings, to influencing decisions that really matter.

These are the kinds of skills employers value, and you'll develop them while doing something meaningful. Whether this is your first leadership role or you've done something similar before, you'll come away more confident, capable, and ready for what comes next.

Reason 2: Lead and get paid for it

Yes, it's a paid role.

As a full-time Student Leader, you'll be employed on a 12 month contract with Arden University and earn a salary while representing your fellow students. This isn't a typical student role, you'll lead projects, work closely with University teams, and influence real change across the student experience.

Leadership with a pay cheque? That's a win-win.

Reason 3: Bring your ideas to life

Got an idea that could make student life better? This is your chance to make it happen.

As part of the Students' Association Student Leadership Team, you won't just share opinions, you'll have the opportunity to act on them. Whether it's improving wellbeing support, shaping online learning, tackling cost-of-living challenges, or building stronger student communities, you'll help turn ideas into action.

No more waiting for someone else to lead the change. This time, it could be you.

Reason 4: Be the voice for others

Not everyone feels confident speaking up and that's where you come in.

As a student leader, you'll represent students who want their voices heard. You'll listen to their experiences, gather feedback, and take their concerns directly to the people who can make change happen.

It's about standing up for what's right and making sure every student, not matter how or where they study, feels represented. You don't need to have all the answers. You just need to care about making a difference.

Reason 5: Make a real impact

This is your opportunity to leave your mark.

From running campaigns to shaping services, the work you do as a student leader can have a lasting impact on both current and future students. You'll help create a better, fairer, more supportive student experience, and that's something to be proud of.

If you want to do something that matters, meet inspiring people, and feel genuinely proud of the difference your make, this is your moment.