Hi everyone! I’m Paddy, a second-year marketing student and for the past two years I’ve had the privilege of working as a student ambassador for the School for Business and Society, which has been a cool side hustle alongside my studies.
If you’ve ever been to a Uni of York Open Day, you’ve probably seen us running around in our bright blue student ambassador t-shirts, guiding lost parents, and giving campus tours! I absolutely love representing York, but honestly, becoming an ambassador is hands-down one of the best moves I’ve made since starting uni.
Working across the multiple open days throughout the year, it’s been a rewarding experience supporting prospective students and their families through their decision to study at York. As a passionate advocate for all things Uni of York this has been fantastic for myself! I’ve really enjoyed the opportunity to provide tours across the school and campus, in which I have been able to offer a current student’s perspective on what it is like to study at the university.
Through my role as the course representative for marketing during my first year, I was proud to be offered a position as a student ambassador. This was my route to becoming a student ambassador, but for those who are interested in getting involved the university website includes the process to become an ambassador.
The perks (flexible cash and insider tips)
Let’s talk about the perks of being an ambassador. As a student, finding a job that fits around your timetable can be a nightmare. The best thing about being an ambassador is the flexibility, as you’re mostly working the big annual Open Days and Post-Offer Visit Days, so it never gets in the way of your lectures. Plus, it’s extra income in your pocket, which is always a win.
But the unexpected bonus? The networking. And I don’t mean corporate networking, rather social networking with third-years and postgrads who are also working as ambassadors. They’ve already survived the modules you’re currently stressing over, and they are a goldmine for insider advice on how to tackle assessments and dissertations!
A day in the life
A typical open day involves being the friendly face-of-the-university across campus. The parents will grill you on everything from accommodation to the nightlife (and yes, how to survive the York geese!), and you just give them the genuine, real-student perspective.
Additionally, it is important to remember that during a prospective student’s visit to the university, it is likely that their encounter with a student ambassador will be their first interaction with the university. Therefore, first impressions are crucial for facilitating engagement and to generate genuine desire to come and study at York. Reinforcing that as a student ambassador, you must bring the same energy into every tour and meeting with each prospective student, so that you leave a positive lasting impression of why to study at the University of York.
The great addition to the CV
If you’re looking ahead to future job interviews, this role is a great addition to your CV. I’ve already used my ambassador experience in interviews to prove I can handle public speaking, volunteering and communicating under pressure. Employers absolutely love it because it shows you’re active within your university community and can talk to anyone.
My #1 piece of advice
My best piece of advice for those considering becoming an ambassador is to just be yourself. As prospective students and their families are looking for a genuine and honest take on student life in York, which is most useful to them in finalising their choice of university.
After recently working at the June open day, I’m already looking forward to continuing in my role and assisting in future open days.
Feel free to reach out and ask any questions you may have about what it is like being a student ambassador.
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