Lancashire, England, United Kingdom
Research Associate at the Environmental Information Data Centre (EIDC) at UKCEH.
Palaeoceanography and Palaeoclimate PhD based in Ocean and Earth Science at the University of Southampton and the National Oceanography Centre.
Experience included picking microfossils using a binocular microscope, identification and cataloguing of specimens, sample preparation and coordination of other volunteers after lead organiser was absent for two days.
The key role of being a student ambassador is to represent the university and its students at events such as UCAS and open days. This predominantly involves leading campus and accommodation tours for groups of prospective student and their parents. Engaging prospective students and their parents in conversation is another large part of being a student ambassador; giving them the students view point of studying at the University of Leicester. Other duties include welcoming and directing people, helping set up and take down equipment needed for events and generally being available to help the team with any tasks that need completing. The tours require clear and effective communication in order for the, sometimes 20+ size, groups to hear and understand you. A helpful, talkative and happy demeanour is needed in order to keep the tours fun and interesting, whilst also the ability to think on your feet is essential when difficult questions are asked by both prospective students and their parents. At the University of Leicester, student ambassadors are mainly hired based on several key characteristics; the ability to communicate effectively with people of all ages and backgrounds, excellent time management skills, being reliable and punctual, the ability to work as part of a team, must be organised and the ability to multi-task, ability to be flexible and use own initiative when appropriate, good presentation skills and, perhaps the most important of all, to be friendly and approachable. Student ambassadors at Leicester receive very positive feedback from the visitors, saying we are informative, helpful and friendly.