Applied Psychology student opens up on the role of a GCU Student Ambassador

A GCU student has given an insight into life as a Student Ambassador and how the role has benefitted him alongside his degree.

Fraser Carey, who is in the third year of his BSc (Hons) Applied Psychology degree, was selected for the paid-position earlier this year and has enjoyed getting to develop his confidence and interpersonal skills over the last couple of months.

Student Ambassadors can be spotted around campus in their signature blue hoodies helping to support events and guide students through every day challenges faced during their academic journey. Despite only being a couple of months into his new role, Fraser has already shared how much he’s benefitted from it on Linkedin.

We sat down with him to find out more:

When did you first hear about the opportunity to become a Student Ambassador?

“I was completing the Common Good Award during the summer and had a meeting with Hannah, who runs the award – which is now known as the GCU Employability Award. We had a brainstorming session and came up with some different ideas. I was told about the Student Ambassador role and how it was a good way to gather hours to put towards the Common Good Award.

“I had also previously heard about it when I had a meeting with one of the staff members from the Psychology Department when I was looking to develop my interpersonal skills. I had too much going on at the time to do it then, but I knew it existed.”

Tell me a bit about your decision to get involved this year and the application process?

“I knew now was the right time for me to get involved and just decided to go for it. There was a form with a few questions on it and we also had to submit a video application which was basically there to show off our personality.”

What was it that particularly appealed to you about the role?

“Working with people is a big part of my role as an Applied Psychology student. Any opportunity for me to develop skills related to that was a massive plus and something that really interested me.

“The course I do is brilliant but I’m always looking to develop my skills so I can apply them to real-life situations beyond my degree. The Student Ambassador role is the perfect opportunity because I’m getting to meet so many different people from all walks of life.”

“I was also really keen to make a positive difference. It can be tough as a new student, so I just wanted to be there to help light up some faces and help them in whatever way they need it.”

You mentioned supporting students in whatever way they need it, what else does the role involve?

“The role is essentially you being a friendly, welcoming face. Obviously in recent times that has been around specifically supporting new students who are starting at GCU, but you can also help with IT issues like resetting passwords, accessing timetables, or even something as simple as the closest place to get a coffee!

“A big part of the role is also signposting students to non-academic services, such as Finance, Visa, Careers and Wellbeing. A lot of our shifts are also based around different events on campus as well – I got the chance to help at a BBQ for international students which was a lot of fun.

“You basically get paid to be a positive, friendly person. The whole experience will help me wherever I go beyond my Undergraduate degree.”

What skills do you believe you developed as a result of being a Student Ambassador?

“Confidence has definitely been a big one for me. I don’t always seem it, but sometimes I can be a bit of a shy individual. Taking the step to become a Student Ambassador has allowed me the chance to increase my confidence and interpersonal skills.

“The role also allows me to appreciate the university as a whole, rather than just through my degree. I’ve met students studying Biomedical Science, Computing, Business Management – it’s been nice forming friendships with students outside my degree, and that is definitely hugely beneficial.”

You recently put a post on Linkedin talking about your Freshers’ experience as a Student Ambassador – what did you enjoy so much about it?

“The first two days were really busy with a lot of different activities and all of the stands on the main concourse – it was really nice to see so many people around.

“I felt like I really got to engage with students and it was definitely rewarding being able to provide that support. It was maybe something as simple as taking them to find a class, but I really valued getting that time with them and a quick chat on the way. I just wanted to add a bit of happiness to their day.”

Would you encourage other students to become a Student Ambassador?

“I would definitely recommend the Student Ambassador role. It’s an amazing way to give something back. We’ve all been a new student at some point, so being able to give that good first impression is something I think is really important.

“The role is also very well paid and the shifts are very relaxed overall. Most of all, it’s a lot of fun and the perfect way to build on your skills.”

Student Ambassador applications will open next summer for the new academic year. Find out more here

By Ross Clark
Got an SHLS or GSBS story? Email me at Ross.Clark@gcu.ac.uk