Meet the exciting people behind our member businesses.
Name: Christina Schmid
Company: Aberdeen University Students’ Association (Students’ Union)
Job title: CEO and Student President
Give us the elevator pitch for your business.
Aberdeen University Students’ Association (AUSA or Students’ Union) is a student-led charity that represents and supports over 15,000 students, from democracy and wellbeing to societies and community-building. Students bring major economic, cultural and educational value to Aberdeen, and our work helps them feel supported, connected and proud to call the city home.
Who are your customers?
Our members are University of Aberdeen students in all modes of study, and by supporting their success we benefit the wider region. We help students build skills, networks and belonging, then work with employers and partners to connect them into opportunities - strengthening the talent pipeline Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire rely on.
What is the biggest challenge and opportunity your organisation is facing right now?
Demand for student support is rising across the sector. The opportunity is to work in partnership across business, civic and charitable communities to tackle shared challenges, innovate solutions and help students thrive, stay in the North-east after graduation, and contribute to the region’s long-term prosperity.
What is your word of advice for fellow Chamber members?
Make the most of your Chamber membership and get involved. It’s a powerful way to build partnerships and meet organisations you might not otherwise encounter. We’d also encourage you to connect with students. They bring fresh perspectives, energy and skills, and are often the talent organisations didn’t realise they needed.
What is the best thing about being a Chamber member?
The Chamber provides real leadership for the North-east. Its professional team, strong events and regional advocacy create opportunities for collaboration and growth. We share its vision of a region where people can build futures and careers, and we value working together to ensure students are part of that story.