To give you all an insight into what the different positions on the committee are and what they each involve, I asked our current members to answer a few questions about their role.
Subject Convenors
There is a subject convenor for maths, technology, physical sciences, engineering and life sciences, here is what our current convenors said about the role
What does your role involve?
“Planning out and running the school day workshops each semester as well as training the other society volunteers who help out on the day.”
What has been your favourite part of being on the committee?
“Meeting the committee and being able to a good natter with them at the meetings each week!”
What advice do have for the next person to take on your role?
“Have fun and be creative with your workshop! Both you and the school kids will have more fun that way , and the rest of committee are always happy to help you!”
Charity and Fundraising Convenor – new position
What does your role involve?
This is a really exciting role that we have just introduced since we have partnered with Glasgow women’s eight over the past year. We’ve found our charity involvement to be really exciting and worthwhile and we would love someone to be at the forefront of all of the events for the next year, your role would include Organising events and putting yourself in contact with charities to form partnership between the society and the work that they do.
Outreach Convenors – Callie and Harriette
This year we are only looking for one outreach convenor, as we are introducing a new position to the committee
What does your role involve?
“Organising the school day and other outreach events with the local community.”
What has been your favourite part of being on the committee?
“Getting to see how much the students enjoy the school workshops :)”
What advice do have for the next person to take on your role?
“Be organised – start planning in advance and communicate well with the schools so everyone has the best experience possible.”
STEM Support Convenor – Hollie
What does your role involve?
“Writing the WiSTEM blog, and using industry connections to organise employability events for the society to enjoy :)”
What has been your favourite part of being on the committee?
“Definitely the opportunity to meet so many amazing people! We are quite close as a committee and I can honestly say I’ve made some of my best friends through WiSTEM. Being able to visit schools on the school day and seeing the next generation being inspired by science is so exciting.”
What advice do have for the next person to take on your role?
“Don’t be afraid to do something new, you’ve got to find a way to make the role work for you and your commitments. Use the blog to express your creativity and indulge your interests, it can make writing so much easier!”
Social Convenor – Lucy
What does your role involve?
“Planning fun socials for the society and collaborating with other societies to create exciting new events.”
What has been your favourite part of being on the committee?
“The fundraising we have done for women’s aid! We have raised over £1000 to help women and girls throughout Greater Glasgow and Clyde!”
What advice do have for the next person to take on your role?
“Be two weeks ahead of everything! Planning and organisation is key and those two weeks will fly by!”
Publicity Convenor – Emily
What does your role involve?
“Running the social media accounts and creating eye catching content to help promote our events and keep members informed.”
What has been your favourite part of being on the committee?
“My favourite part has been meeting so many incredible people and creating a support network with them for women in STEM. I’ve had so much fun attending all our events and have loved the opportunity to be a part of the running of the society.”
What advice do have for the next person to take on your role?
“My advice would just be to have fun when creating posts and enjoy the chance to be creative.”
Executive Positions
Welfare Convenor – Elena
What does your role involve?
“Organising events to support the welfare of the society through the semesters as well as provide a point of contact of any issues which may arise during being part of the society. Also staying in regularly contact with members to maintain the positive community WiSTEM has :)”
What has been your favourite part of being on the committee?
“The weekly meetings with a great bunch of girls giving an exclusive insight as to what’s happening and what’s in the making. Also, being able to propose ideas and make them come to light :)”
What advice do have for the next person to take on your role?
“Organise events, stay in touch and be approachable ;)”
Treasurer – Amber
What does your role involve?
“Liaising with society sponsors and controlling the society finances.”
What has been your favourite part of being on the committee?
“Working alongside an inspiring group of women and of course taking part in the school days during my time as physical science convenor.”
What advice do have for the next person to take on your role?
“Be organised, don’t be afraid to communicate with sponsors and remember the sky is the limit! It’s a fantastic society which has attracted many great sponsors over the years, so don’t be afraid to reach out to companies you’d like to work with, no matter how ambitious!”
Secretary – Zaynah
What does your role involve?
“Arranging the meetings, room booking, meeting minutes, control of the email account, mailing list, arranging HEAR recognition and handovers, writing a semesterly newsletter, organising the google drive, literally any admin and assisting P and VP whenever needed.”
What has been your favourite part of being on the committee?
“I love the admin type jobs anyway so I have enjoyed the role itself, but being part of the committee has been so much fun. The committee is so lovely and I feel very lucky to be friends with everyone that I otherwise would not have met! Also, with Secretary, it is an exec role so you can get really involved if you want to, without the responsibility of being President or Vice President :P”
What advice do have for the next person to take on your role?
“Be organised, as long as you are aware of what’s going on, you’ll be fine. It’s hard not to be when you’re taking all the meeting minutes anyway!”
Vice President – Amy
What does your role involve?
“As VP my role is to support the President and committee. This involves suggesting ideas, helping to make decisions, stepping in for Pres when needed, and just generally keeping up to date and getting involved with everything that’s happening in the society. I also organise merch and run the WiSTEM LinkedIn account.”
What has been your favourite part of being on the committee?
“I have made lots of amazing friends on committee, who I would have never met if I hadn’t joined WiSTEM!💗”
What advice do have for the next person to take on your role?
“Enjoy it! Get involved in everything because the more you put in, the more you get out of your time in WiSTEM!”
President – Elise
What does your role involve?
“I oversee everything that happens in the society, and catch up with everyone by leading the weekly meetings! I also come up with fun ideas that give committee members more work to do!”
What has been your favourite part of being on the committee?
“Meeting likeminded people. When I came to Uni in first year I was so worried I wouldn’t find friends. But despite being online in covid times, I found my people at WiSTEM!! I was so lucky to have found this wonderful society and the people it attracts are my absolute favourites! When I was in first and second year, I loved the school days since they brought everyone together and I got the chance to speak to people who were older then me. Now that I’m in my final year, I love reassuring the younger members at our social events about any of the doubts they’re having – I used to have the same doubts! So, having gone through it, I love being able to help others. I think that’s the core of what WiSTEM is about!”
What advice do have for the next person to take on your role?
“YOU BRING THE VIBEEE. People in the society will vibe off of you, you need to keep everyone happy and positive so the society can be that safe space for other people. You wouldn’t have got the position if you weren’t the right person, so keep everyone happy and don’t let committee meetings go over an hour. Don’t worry, you got this girlboss!”
Women in STEM University of Glasgow 