Accessibility statement

Ben

Not only will this job allow you to develop key skills, such as communication, time management, but it offers you a chance to explore some aspects of university life that you might not otherwise think about

Student ambassador Ben and colleagues on campus

Being a student ambassador at the University of York has been a fantastic experience and opportunity. Throughout my three years as a student ambassador, I’ve been able to participate in a multitude of activities; some of which I may not have even thought I would be able to do while at university. There are many things that I could talk about here, but I’m going to highlight three areas that I have had the most fun out of, and which show the joy of working as a student ambassador. 

Before applying to be a student ambassador, there were a few things that I worried about. Things that I believe may have affected my application. First, I had very little experience in the type of work required. I was not comfortable talking to members of the public, and I was unsure I would be able to fit the work around my studies. When I looked further into the job, however, I knew that my studies would not be affected by my role as a student ambassador. I could say which jobs I could work and which I couldn’t, so long as I met the required working hours for the job, it would be fine. Looking at the other aspect of talking and engaging with members of the public, this is where I felt I might fall short. However, when I was lucky enough to be accepted as a student ambassador, and I know how clichéd this will sound, I quickly picked up the skills needed to engage with visitors. Working on the student ambassador scheme, I have changed as a person for the better. This might not be the case for everyone, but working as a student ambassador can definitely help others with their approachability and how they engage with others. 

One main reason for becoming a student ambassador is the opportunity to work on residentials throughout the year. This job is one of the most engaging and enjoyable that you can get out of being a student ambassador. During a scheduled timetable, you’ll work closely with a group of students that York believes circumstances may affect their decision in applying for university. These range from first in their family, to BAME and disability students. Working as a residential ambassador it’s your job to show what they could experience if they come to university. Showing them the key points of student life with societies, sports and of course their degree choice. Students will be able to dive into an experience that will hopefully show them that university is a choice for them, and being a student ambassador, the main part of your job is to sell it to them. Not only will this job allow you to develop key skills, such as communication, time management, but it offers you a chance to explore some aspects of university life that you might not otherwise think about doing, through your support on activity creation and distribution. I’ve explored new societies and sports that I didn’t think I would have an interest in before seeing them. I’ve been able to produce content that students have engaged in and enjoyed, and on top of that, I’ve been able to meet loads of other student ambassadors that I might not have had the opportunity to meet before. 

Not only are residentials a great way to support students outside of the university, but there may be opportunities to work as an Intern for some of the schemes that Access and Outreach have prepared for the year. Having been given the chance to work as an Intern for the York Experience Hub (YEH) and York Experience Summer School (YESS), I’ve been able to coordinate tasks and create activities and content that will be used frequently by the Access and Outreach team, not just on the one-off. I’ve been given responsibilities that I may not have expected, which has not only allowed me to develop my skills and see where my limitations lie, I’ve been offered guidance and support which has then gone on to produce the content necessary for the students attending the residential and other visits. 

If you are thinking of becoming a student ambassador, the best advice I can offer is to just be yourself. You’ll be the one representing the University, and visitors want to know what your experiences are while being a student at York. Knowing the key information from the job descriptions are key, especially in the interview process, but you are the one visitors and other members of the University will see when they are on campus.