Our former student George Charlton, explains his experience at Manchester Met and his new job role within the Students Union.

  1. Please explain your educational background.

    After four incredible years, I’m officially graduating with a BA in Economics. The journey has been challenging, rewarding, and full of growth.

    One of the highlights was spending a year abroad in Canada as part of a business exchange program. Studying overseas gave me fresh perspectives on global economics and business practices, and it was an unforgettable experience both academically and personally.
  2. What had been your best experience as a student at Manchester Met?

    One of the most transformative parts of my university journey was the opportunity to study abroad. Spending a year in Canada on a business exchange not only broadened my academic horizons but also changed me personally. It gave me a new perspective on global economics and helped me grow in ways I never expected.

    But if I had to choose the highlight of my university experience, it would be writing my dissertation. It was an incredible opportunity to dive deep into a topic I’m truly passionate about: the impact of public investment. I focused on where I grew up a town once rooted in the coal mining industry. Since the mines closed in the early ’90s, the area has seen a sharp decline in living standards. Exploring this decline, especially in comparison to places like London, and writing about the North-South divide was both personal and powerful.

    What made it even more meaningful was that it was a quantitative dissertation backed by real data. I found that investing in devolved regions like mine could significantly boost productivity. Having lived through some of these changes myself, the motivation to research and write about them came naturally.

    I also have to mention the incredible support I received from my dissertation supervisor to the library staff. I spent countless hours in the library, and it became a space where I felt focused, supported, and inspired.

  3. Where is your favourite place to go in Manchester?

    Band on the Wall and Blues Kitchen both have such vibrant atmospheres, and RNCM is a gem for discovering new talent. American Pies and Bunny Jacksons are perfect for comfort food, especially those wings!

  4. What advice would you give to current students?

    I received advice before going on the year abroad, their advice had been to go and say YES! say yes to new foods, new cultures and new opportunities.

    The study abroad was a random email and I said yes.

    I had a job at fisher fair and it was another email in which I said yes to.

    I joined the economics society and I just said yes to joining. I ask the opportunity to ask questions to Lords. The amazing opportunities I have had from university are all from saying yes and to check your emails.
  5. What role are you in now?

     I am now the new Wellbeing Officer at Manchester Metropolitan University Student Union. I was elected into this role after running a campaign in February, and my term began in July.

    In this role, I will be advocating for opportunities that go beyond the lecture hall such as joining societies and exploring how wellbeing encompasses more than just academic life. My aim is to guide students toward the right support avenues and help them access the services available to them.

    If students are struggling with anything, I want to be someone who listens, understands, and helps. I am currently undergoing training, and my role will officially begin during induction and welcome week.

  6. What steps/preparations did you take to get there?

    I believe I’ve developed a lot over the years, starting in high school and continuing through college. I took part in public speaking and debating competitions, and I was actively involved in related societies. These experiences helped me become confident in speaking to a wide range of people.

    During the election period, I had to approach students to inform them about the available roles, which meant engaging in many conversations and building connections. I also participated in jobs during Welcome Week, and the people running those events took a liking to me. As a result, I was offered additional roles and eventually a part-time job as a receptionist at the Student Union.

    Working as a receptionist gave me the opportunity to interact with many students face-to-face. I listened to their concerns and supported them, and those interactions were incredibly valuable in shaping my understanding of student needs.

    When the elections came around, someone recommended that I run. I was fortunate to receive encouragement and support from others, which gave me the extra push I needed in the right direction. Having that help made a big difference. I was able to reflect on the hard work and effort I had put into previous roles, and I can see how those experiences helped shape who I am today. Overall, I’ve felt very supported throughout this journey.

    7. Anything else….

    As a commuting student, I initially had no reason to stay on campus. However, my study abroad experience completely changed that. I began spending more time on campus and gained access to many more opportunities. I learned to say yes to new experiences and grew from the failures along the way.

    Everything I learned during my year abroad, I brought back with me. I made new friends who encouraged me to stay on campus, and my academic performance improved significantly. In my final year, I achieved a first in every unit and continued to push my boundaries.

    Coming back was tough. I felt like I had to start over. I had been studying within the Canadian academic system and needed to make new friends again. But that challenge turned out to be the push I needed to grow even further.