The joy of getting things off the ground

“I’ve always enjoyed working with others to get things off the ground,” says Emir İşman, commenting on his involvement with the VSETH. Emir took over from Nils Jensen as VSETH President at the start of the semester; last year he worked closely with his predecessor. “I enjoy the interaction with like-minded motivated people, because we all learn so much from each other,” he continues.

Before taking up his new role, Emir was involved with the Association of Computer Science Students (VIS) for two and a half years. In this function he was responsible for IT services before becoming Vice President and ultimately President in autumn 2021. He was also involved with the student association council and worked on the VSETH’s IT Committee.

Always fascinated by computers

It is probably no coincidence that Emir found his way into student politics via IT services. “I’ve always been fascinated by computers, and I was already busy solving IT problems for my friends back in grammar school,” he says with a laugh. Emir attended a German-language school in Istanbul, where he first spent a year learning German. But why a German-speaking school? “I sat the entrance exam for grammar school and my grades meant I could choose any school I wanted,” he explains modestly.

When it came to choosing a university subject, it was clear to Emir that he wanted to study computer science. He knew Zurich from a trip seven years earlier, which included a visit to ETH – but it was also ETH’s reputation that appealed to Emir. “So I applied and didn’t even bother looking at other options,” he says. He started studying in 2017 and completed his Bachelor’s degree in 2021. Now on the Master’s programme, he has taken a year off to perform the role of VSETH President.

Addressing students’ concerns

Together with 11 Executive Board members, Emir will spend the next 12 months representing students’ concerns in ETH committees. The VSETH drafts action papers, for example on the mental health of students, and exercises its participation rights in consultations and other contexts. In regular discussions with the Rector, the VSETH has the opportunity to raise students’ concerns directly.

Services for students are equally important, however. The VSETH organises a range of events, including the Polymesse, the biggest job fair for students, and various social gatherings. The best-known is the Erstsemestrigenfest (ESF), a party attended by 5,000 students. The 2022 ESF was held around a week after Emir took office, and it “was definitely already one of the highlights of my time in office,” as he says. “After a two-year hiatus due to Covid, it was such a great feeling to be able to party on the Hönggerberg campus once again.” Emir is has no doubt: “Our social events on the campus play an essential role in strengthening the bond between students and ETH.”