Who else works in Student Unions?

I work in an SU.

I project manage elections, run democratic stuff, develop policy proposals, do training, organise campaigns and manage external stakeholder relationships such as the police, local government etc.

Kind of fell into the job when I got rejected from a bunch of NGOs after interview.

I once worked in the SU as the Equality and Diversity Officer.

It was great fun, all we really did was plan the rigorous social calendar. Since we were banned from the NUS we never really had to involve ourselves with any politics. We got free jumpers and free access to the one and only local club, that is enough incentive, along with getting to meet all the bands and DJs who visited the SU bar.

That is what SUs should be about in my opinion ran by the students in the best interests of the students and what do most students want to do? Party and have fun.
None of this political nonsense getting in the national media for "no platforming" speakers or what ever other scandals we have seen SUs and the NUS involved in over the past few years. The only things we ever got into the local papers for was noise complaints. That comes with the territory and throwing 4 open air balls a year.

I think the big question for me is why? You see a lot of people say run for sabb positions, but what made you want to get involved with behind the scenes?

(Note, I don't want to change my job but seeing why people do it)