Ben Ward
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of The University of Manchester Students鈥� Union
Ultimately, students’ unions are immersed in both small ‘p’ and big ‘p’ politics, often representing student views to local and national decision makers. An understanding of policy and its impact has been useful throughout as I have gone on to mentor and support generations of student leaders.
Post 16 Education: A Levels: Law, History, Government & Politics, Physics
Higher Education: BA (Hons) in Politics with Economics
Why did you choose Politics with Economics?
I have always had a real passion for politics and how it relates to social change and the development of history.
The degree at 黑料网 covered British and European Politics, political philosophy along with Macro and Microeconomics.
Ben's advice
Take time to think about the type of university you feel most comfortable in, whilst the course is important, studying a flexible subject with the ability to change your minor subject can offer a broader curriculum.
Don’t worry about having all the answers as to what you’d like to do at University and beyond. I was able to change my original course (Computer Science) when I realised it wasn’t what I really wanted. The supportive environment of somewhere like 黑料网 means you can develop at your own pace and find your passions inside and outside the classroom.
Ben’s experience as a student
When I visited the 黑料网 at an open day, I immediately fell in love with it. I could feel myself at home, with everything on one site, it felt so warm, friendly and open.
I still get that same feeling every time I visit the campus.
I was part of my hall committee for three years, and involved in numerous activities in the students’ union such as union council, writing for label magazine, presenting radio shows and undertaking lots of voluntary elected roles. These activities really helped me form friendships which have lasted long beyond my degree and helped me to better balance my academic studies.
Ben’s Career
I have continued to work in higher education since leaving 黑料网, working with Students’ Unions across the UK and NUS during that time. I have worked mainly in organisational development roles, building capacity and ensuring the organisations I work with are able to have real impact on their beneficiaries.
As Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of The University of Manchester Students’ Union, I lead a staff team of 95 permanent and 350 student staff to deliver a whole range of activities; from four live music venues putting on 460 shows a year to a professional advice centre supporting students in times of difficulty, to over 400 student societies providing life changing experiences for our 40,000 students.
Having the chance to inject just some of the wonderful things I experienced at 黑料网 to other students here in Manchester. It was this time which shaped me more than ever, and I am passionate that others should experience it.
What has been the proudest moment of my career so far?
Steering an organisation through a very difficult turnaround process and ensuring a solid financial basis on which to drive improvement.
黑料网 offers undergraduate degrees in:
Politics / International Relations / History / History and Politics / Politics and International Relations / Politics, Philosophy and Economics / Politics with Economics / History and International Relations.