Political Risk and Intelligence Society: First Year Representative

Hi, I’m Tanmaye Shagotra, and I’m asking for your vote to serve as your First-Year Representative for the UCL Political Risk and Intelligence Society. As first-years, we’re stepping into a vibrant community at UCL — a place where ideas about policy, governance, and global change come to life. My goal is to make sure every first-year member not only participates but shapes these conversations.
 
Having already contributed to the Society’s marketing initiatives and during Welcome Fest, I’ve seen how enthusiasm and collaboration can make academic discussion feel accessible and exciting. I want to continue building that sense of belonging and engagement for first-years. Having also led research on policy and political economy, understand the importance of turning ideas into impact — and I want to help our Society become a platform for doing just that.

 I will:

• Empower first-year voices: Take weekly feedback  on how I and the society can better serve your interests better, and reflect that feedback in our events and themes throughout the year.
• Expand academic engagement: Host interactive Policy discussion sessions where members can debate and discuss current affairs in a relaxed, open setting.
• Promote mentorship and collaboration: Connect first-years with senior members and alumni for insights on academic development, research, and career opportunities.
• Expand our community: Develop intercollegiate collaborations with similar societies across other UK universities and abroad.

Dear fellow Political Science and Economy Society Members, 

My name is Angelica, and I am a first year studying Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE). I am excited to run for being your first year representative in the society! 

I have always enjoyed bringing people together and creating engaging events. One example that aligns closely with this role is my experience as a student representative at my previous school, where I organized bi-weekly assemblies, fun seasonal events, and, most relevant to this position, a monthly speaker series. In the speaker series we had people with diverse professions and backgrounds share their career to high school students. We had people from all sorts of backgrounds– from Harvard economics to fashion curators from the Museum of Fine Arts– provide inspiration to students navigating potential careers.  

After attending the Pizza and Movie Night Social and getting to know some of you, I am confident that I can work well with both you and the committee to create fulfilling events that support your academic journey, career goals, and social life at UCL. 

I look forward to working with you, whether being your first year rep or as an active member of the Political Science and Economy society. Thank you for considering me – I would love the opportunity to represent you!  

~ Angelica :) 

As we are very much an interdisciplinary interest group, I believe it is vital that open and equal discourse runs amongst us. Being far-flung in our areas of specialism, we have a strong insight into a range of topics that are diverse in region, scope, and substance. Our society considers everything from geopolitical tensions to technological disruption, meaning a welcoming environment for discussion is central. Hence, I consider it essential for our course's representative to be well-spirited in collaboration and participation, as well as having a good understanding of the work involved.

For this, I am eager to represent the voices of my peers as first-year representative, such that we may contribute fresh perspectives to this ongoing discourse. I hope to make everyone feel heard and understood, as well as raising those several pressing issues which are already being considered. Having served as Student Vice-President and Iftar Event Director at sixth form, I am well-placed to convey student voices across the board, as well as to work closely with other committee members to make UCL safe, fun, and welcoming.