Just like any first-year, I went to the society fair and got overwhelmed with all the available options. There, I came across the Manchester Investment Fund (MIF) but only got the courage to attend the meeting in Week 4. It was frightening to attend a new society by yourself, especially when there were only four other people and everyone already knew each other. However, I decided to keep showing up because I wanted to challenge myself, facing new people and overcoming the fear of doing things differently. I began by joining the Macro team, in which I wrote reports about major global macroeconomic events that impacted the markets. At MIF, I got to learn from Navya, Head of the Macro team, who taught me the basics in writing reports. I initially supported Navya with researching topics and Navya guided me in identifying critical news, interpreting data trackers, writing reports, and more. By the end of the university year, I was able to produce 4 newsletters by myself, obviously with Navya’s feedback as well. In my first year with MIF, I had the opportunity to not only widen my knowledge in economics but also to learn from my peers, helping me continuously develop and gain more confidence in different skill sets.

Coming into second year, I assumed the President role of MIF. It was not typical for a 2nd-year to run a society let alone MIF did not have a team of committee yet at the time. The society fair was the first challenge for me as a President since I was the only stallholder, not a first-year cruising around anymore. Running the stall myself, I had to prepare everything from printing out documents, setting up a QR code, and speaking to nearly 100 people continuously for five hours, which was the most draining task. Right after that, I hosted an initial meeting to properly introduce the society and conducted multiple interviews in the next two weeks to look for my committee members. I managed to organize a team and began our report-writing process. My team and I introduced newsletters, which we released biweekly as an easier way for students to access news. We hosted weekly meetings so that members could introduce their written reports, building a like-minded community. For me, it was an achievement to see people gradually gain more confidence every time they present their works or more people take part in our activities. My second year with MIF was about learning how to run an organization, regardless of its size. I used to manage all the logistics and edit the reports myself, soon I realized it was not possible anymore if I wanted to sustain the society. Henceforth, by the end of second year, I decided to restructure the society committee.

My friend Krish became the President while I took up the role of Director as I wanted to focus on hosting events for society, something that I was not able to do in 2nd year. Seeing that there was a lack of research-based society on campus, we decided to pivot the society to Manchester Macroeconomic Forum (MMF). Since the beginning of this school year, our committee team with three departments have managed to establish 7 newsletters, organize multiple workshops across three departments, and host some socials. Seeing the society grows from a few members to having 20-30 people coming to our events, I have been so proud of my journey with MIF/MMF. It has been a pleasure meeting and working with so many people from different backgrounds and eventually becoming friends.

I think societies are such a crucial part of university life because it gives you the space and environment to grow and find your people. From my society, I have been able to make initiatives and enact changes, continuously coming outside of my comfort zone and developing myself. Whether your society is academic, sport, arts and crafts, or anything else, I suggest you take a leap of faith, put yourself out there, and try out with a society. I believe that you will find something that is for you and do not be afraid to let it enhance your university life.

Written by Uyen (Jenny) Nguyen, a current BSc IBFE student. 

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