Accessibility statement

Student Ambassador FAQs

A Student Ambassador is a member of the student body, recruited to the Ambassador scheme, trained and paid for ad hoc hourly work within departments and sections of the University. 

There are a wide range of opportunities and roles to suit a variety of skill sets and the best people to tell you about these, the benefits and what it involves are 

The Student Ambassador scheme is run by the Marketing, Recruitment, Admissions and Outreach Department (MRAO).

What skills are needed?

In short, you are an ambassador for the University and will develop many personal skills that will help you in your future careers.

Some of our current Student Ambassadors have given first-hand accounts of the skills they have developed in the role:

These include:

  • Communication
  • Team work
  • Social and cultural awareness
  • Problem solving
  • IT skills
  • Experience creating blogs/vlogs and video captioning   

You can also use these as part of your York Award.

What experience is needed?

As to experience - a lot of our roles are about sharing what you have been through in studying for your A-levels, selecting your course of study and university choice, applying and navigating through the UCAS and application process - and all the elements that come with it.   

So you already have some of the key experiences we are looking for.

Other elements you will need include what you will gain while being here as a student - ie what is it like at University generally, at York in particular, and aspects such as budgeting, studying, balancing work life, finding friends etc.

You will also have mandatory training in other aspects you will need, as well as support from the team if needed.

What is the process for becoming an Ambassador?

Firstly, you need to complete the application form in full by the deadline.

Each application form is read by our panel and notes compared and a short list drawn up of those to invite to interview.

The interview is designed to be a helpful process for both yourself and us and full details of what this will involve and tips will be shared with you to give you time to prepare.   

The interview panel will be made up of the Student Ambassador Administration Team, plus key members of staff who actively use student ambassadors in support roles.

What's next for successful candidates?

If you are invited to become an ambassador you will need to complete some key checks including the right to work and also a DBS. You will then be set up on our Dashboard system, which will be fully explained to you. You'll receive a Student Ambassador polo shirt and badge which you will be expected to wear when working a shift as an ambassador.  

A programme of training in many key aspects is provided and is a mandatory requirement in being confirmed at a Student Ambassador.  More experienced SAs will also be available to support you at key points as you settle in and to take you through some activities such as campus tours.

You will also receive a briefing before every 'shift' - in other words, each job role you apply for and are assigned to.

How is work assigned?

All roles/opportunities are advertised to all Student Ambassadors on a weekly basis.

You only apply for the shifts/opportunities you wish to be considered for.

There is no requirement to work a set number of hours so you can fit your Student Ambassador role around both your studies and any other part time jobs you may take up elsewhere.

Current pay scales are £12.00 p/hr (plus holiday pay) = £13.45 p/hr (from 1 August 2023)

Can I use this as a reference for future work?

Absolutely. We love telling employers how fantastic our ambassadors are!