Heli Kultalahti, Chairperson of the Council of representatives, tells about her experiences in the Council of Representatives.
Read more about applying from here.
I applied to the Council of Representatives when I had just started my studies and wanted to know what is happening around me, and who makes decisions that affect my studies at the university. I wanted to know how I can influence those decisions that affect me.
The Council of Representatives and HAMKO’s Board decide on many matters concerning students and elect representatives to workgroups, where also smaller-level decisions are made. For my part, I wanted to make my contribution to this. I wanted to influence my affairs and thus also the affairs of classmates and other students. I have found that the Council of Representatives is a great tool for that.
You can influence even in larger things in the Council of Representatives. The effects of which you see in your university community and studies are surprisingly sudden. For example when the council decides on the student union’s action plan and budget for the next year, it is possible to influence small and even big things.
Chairperson and Vice Chairperson of the Council of Representatives works closely with the Board and HAMKO’s employees, and through this year with Vice Chairperson, Anni, have an influence also in small practical things, which the student union does for all of us.
Chairperson and Vice Chairperson of the Council of Representatives works closely with the Board and HAMKO’s employees, and through this year with Vice Chairperson, Anni, have an influence also in small practical things, which the student union does for all of us. The Council elects the chairpersons from among its members, so this decision can also influence the activities of the student union.
Operating in council and the student union has taught a lot of skills that can be utilized in working life. For example, the decision-making process, no matter how large-scale it is talked about in the organization, then it has felt somehow easy, logical, and familiar. I know at what level and what things I can and should influence. And what needs to be done to make voice heard
Perhaps the most important skills that one can learn in the Council of Representatives and the student union are social skills, i.e. importance of networks. Learns to understand different views and to understand people from different backgrounds. Learns to argue, to think, to discuss and to apply what the knowledge in action. Thinking about what all of this can get out of when we disagree on things and still make good decisions that will help all of us students in this student community.
Thus, in my fourth term, I can say that the activities of the organization and the activities of HAMKO teach insanely lot and I warmly recommend that you come along. Please contact us if you have any interest. You can learn all kind of fun things!
Operating in the Council of Representatives and the student union has really taught a lot of skills that can be utilized in working life.
-Heli Kultalahti