As of July 1, the Student Union in Skövde has a new Chairman. However, Melissa Ferm is not a beginner, but has been involved in the union for several years. She is most passionate about labour market issues and for the students at the University of Skövde to feel good during their studies.
Melissa Ferm grew up in Stockholm and studied to be an artist and musician in high school. When it was time for university studies, she changed her major and applied to Cognitive Neuroscience at the University of Skövde.
“When I moved to Skövde, I lived with a family for a while before I moved to student housing. Now I live in Trädgårdsstaden with my partner.”
But that education didn't feel quite right and Melissa instead started reading the Personnel, Organisation and Leadership Bachelor’s programme. She is now taking a break from that education to work as Chairman of the Student Union in Skövde.
How does it feel to have become Chairman of the Student Union?
“It feels good but nervous. I want to do a good job, but it's also a big job. But I have high hopes for this year and think it will be great.”
Melissa has been involved in the Union for a long time, including as Project Manager for the career fair Framtid and as chairman of the Union's labor market committee. There, she prepared students for working life and was the contact person for all partners, for example sponsors and companies that can benefit and help the students in various ways.
“As an example, we have a partner company with HR consultants who can help the students with salary negotiations and writing CVs. We collaborate with Drivhuset and work with the development of Skövde as a student town in collaboration with the University, local business and Skövde municipality.”
What are you hoping for this school year?
“Right now we are working with membership benefits and the well-being of all our students. We also work on being very involved in the students' education, and preparing them for the future. We want them to remember their time as a student in a positive way. And if they don't have positive experiences, we want them to contact us so we can do something about it.”
Melissa is a little extra passionate about the students' relationship to working life, something she will continue to work on a lot. The well-being of students is also something she repeats several times during the interview.
What can the students expect from you in the future?
“Sillyness!,” she exclaims and laughs.
“Jokes aside, they can expect that there is always someone they can turn to at the Union and they can count on us to try to help them, listen to them and try to ensure that they get the best study time possible. Right now we are working on fixing more and better student discounts locally here in Skövde. We have received great help from Skövde's destination agency Next Skövde with this.”
What would you like to say to the University's students?
“Studies are not everything. Don't forget to have a little fun once in a while. Take one day at a time, don't push yourself too much. And if you need help or a shoulder to cry on, we are here.”
Mie Unenge still holds the position as Vice Chairman.
Read more about the Student Union at their website studentkaren.se