I am Sheeba Naaz, your newly elected Vice President Postgraduate for the year 2024-25 at the King’s College London Students’ Union (KCLSU). I am from New Delhi, India and pursuing my Masters in Terrorism, Security and Society from the Department of War Studies. I am delighted to represent and advocate for the Postgraduate Student community, both Taught and Research. My commitments this year are rooted in the values of inclusivity, academic excellence and the rounded development of all students. As we begin the new term, my focus will be on three key areas: decolonising and diversifying curricula, creating a festival-friendly timetable, and enhancing career guidance and internship opportunities.

Decolonising and Diversifying Curricula

A top priority for me is to work towards the decolonisation and diversification of curricula at King’s College London. The curricula should reflect the diversity and inclusivity that King’s College London talks about by incorporating voices that come from non-Eurocentric perspectives, and knowledge systems emanating from minorities and marginalised academia. This is about providing space for counter-perspectives and maintaining objectivity in academia and our curricula. This initiative is important for Postgraduate Taught and Postgraduate Research Students, as they delve into specialised topics. By having a diverse perspective, it provides the space for critically engaging in the research topics.

Festival-Friendly Timetable

King’s College London is home to a large number of international students coming from diverse and rich religious and cultural backgrounds. These students bring in their unique experiences and perspectives to King’s College London, adding to its diversity. In recognising their contribution, I will actively work to accommodate their diverse needs. King’s College London must establish a timetable that doesn't become a barrier between their academic excellence and celebration of festivals. Thousands of miles away from home, these students deserve to celebrate their major religious and cultural festivals. This year, I will advocate for a festival-friendly timetable allowing students to celebrate their major festivals without worrying about their exams or essay deadlines. This is essential to foster an inclusive environment where all the students feel valued and have a sense of belonging.

Focussed Career Guidance and Internship Opportunities

Another priority this year is to improve the career guidance at King’s College London. The aim is to enhance internship opportunities with a more focussed approach.

Navigating the job market after graduating can be challenging, therefore, it is imperative that students are provided with better career guidance to enable them to carve their path in the competitive job market. Strengthening ties with the alumni network and collaboration with industry leads will create a robust support system. With the help of such networks, tailored career workshops, networking events and mentorship programs will be initiated.

Supporting Postgraduate Research Students

Apart from working on my priorities, I will ensure the voice of Postgraduate Research Students are heard and addressed. I intend to work closely with King’s Doctoral Students’ Association (KDSA) to ensure their campaigns for Postgraduate Research Students are supported and achieved.