Student ambassador profiles
Exeter Campuses
Cornwall Campus
Nick Brown
Course: Exercise and Sport Science
Year: 2
Reason why you applied to be a student ambassador: I applied to become a student ambassador because I was keen to get involved with the university, meet new people, and improve my CV. The flexibility of the work available allows you to do as much or as little as suits you and your timetable during the term. The work is really enjoyable and rewarding, and as a student the extra money is definitely useful! Also, when I first visited Exeter on an open day, I experienced how friendly, helpful and professional all the student ambassadors were. So when I started I felt it would be a great scheme to become part of.
Best job you have done so far and why: There are many different jobs I have enjoyed so far, it’s difficult to pick a favourite, as the work is so varied. One of my highlights was when the Queen came to the university to open the new Forum building, as ambassadors we were really involved in this day which was a very interesting experience. Another aspect of working as a student ambassador that I really enjoy is the year 10-13 tutoring programme, working with students in local schools around Exeter, informing them about the opportunities within higher education available after school and college. This is very rewarding, as you get to work with the same group of students throughout the programme, so can watch them progress. The final aspect of work I have enjoyed very much is the summer Residential programme, where a group of ambassadors work with students on a residential course. These give school and college students a chance to stay in halls of residence and experience what university life would be like. It also aims to encourage young people to consider university. There is such a good atmosphere and team ethos amongst everyone during these Residentails, which makes it a really fun couple of days.
What you feel you are getting out of it: It’s great having the opportunity to work with so many different people, working with other ambassadors, working with students and university staff. I have also learnt a lot about how the university functions, working in many different areas within the university. Plus I’ve made so many new friends while being a student ambassador.
Future career: That’s a good question! I’m still not exactly sure what I want to do yet, I really enjoy working with people, and would like to pursue a career within the sporting industry, preferably outdoors, so I’m not stuck at a desk all day! My ambition is to work abroad to broaden my horizons and enjoy some warmer weather!!
Catherine Hicks
Course: Business and Management with Industrial Experience
Year: 3
Reason why you applied to be a student ambassador: I applied to be a student ambassador to share my passion for Exeter University with prospectus students. I have enjoyed my University experience so much I thought it would be great to share this with other people. Whilst being on an open day I found it invaluable to talk to current students and hear about their time at Exeter so this encouraged me to apply. The vast opportunities available in the job also appealed to me from campus tours to tutoring local children.
Best job you have done so far and why: The best job I have done so far is tutoring year 10 students at local Secondary Schools (West Exe and Tiverton High School). I really felt we helped the children start to think about their future and encouraged them to plan a pathway. The students asked us lots of questions and could relate to us as current University Students and therefore I felt they got a lot out of it. After many sessions with the students it was great to watch them enjoy the sessions and develop as individuals.
What you feel you are getting out of it: I am developing lots of new skills whilst being a student ambassador. For example my confidence in public speaking is vastly improving - whilst being an ambassador you have to talk to large groups of people of all ages. Also my communication skills have become stronger, for example tutoring at local Secondary Schools involved liaising with the staff to find suitable times to conduct the sessions.
Future career: I am currently doing an Industrial Placement at Nissan GB in Human Resources, so I am hoping to stay in this sector and specialise in recruitment.
"Being a student ambassador has been great. I have really enjoyed my time at Exeter University and it has been great to share my experiences with other people."
Stephen Biles
Course: Physics with Professional Experience
Year: 2
Reason why you applied to be a student ambassador: I initially looked up the scheme out of curiosity, but as I read the job description, I increasingly felt that this was something I wanted to be a part of. I have always enjoyed giving presentations and talking to strangers (to my parents’ dismay) and these were qualities they were looking for in applicants!
I also thought it would be a great way to help young people who, like me at that age, were struggling to work out what they wanted to do with their life. I wanted to pass on the advice that helped me through the process.
Best job you have done so far and why: The “Borrow a Scientist” event was my very first job. A fourth-year physicist and I were invited to give a talk to two classes of Year 11’s on how we ended up doing a science degree. It was really fascinating because even though we are at the same end point, our paths to get here were incredibly different. The Year 11’s were great and I got to talk about myself for a good hour or so!
Last year I was given the opportunity to work on two summer residentials with Year 11’s and Year 12’s. They were probably the highlight of my summer! Over the course of the week you can see the kids being inspired by the taster sessions, or reassured when a “myth” is put to rest (“but I’ll never be able to pay for it” is always a popular one). It’s great to see the kids leaving with a bit more ambition and positivity.
What you feel you are getting out of it: If ever I am asked to give evidence that I possess certain skills, I’m sure I will always be able to call upon one of my experiences as a Student Ambassador.
I have also met loads of great people, both ambassadors and young people. One of the groups we had on the residential was full of some of the most creative, outrageous people I’ve ever met! I laughed so much; I was actually in pain towards the end.
Future career: I would like to teach Maths or Physics at some point, but not immediately. From what I have learnt, a successful career in science hinges on your ability to communicate and work as a team. This has been a great way to improve my skills in those areas.
"I would strongly advise anyone to apply for this position. The student marshals on the Open Days this year showed that there are loads of students out there who would be amazing at this job!"
Emily Houseago
Course: Anthropology and Middle East Studies (FCH)
Year: 3
Reason why you applied to be a student ambassador: I applied to be an ambassador as I remember how welcoming the ambassadors were when I came to visit the university before coming here. Also, I really enjoy being at The University of Exeter so it was a great chance to share my enthusiasm with others.
Best job you have done so far and why: Without a doubt, the Queen’s visit earlier this year. The atmosphere was electric and everyone had smiles on their face the entire day. I do also love doing the tutoring, going to schools and working with some great students is very rewarding.
What you feel you are getting out of it: I am constantly making new friends, and learning skills which will be so useful later in life when I graduate and head into the world of work.
Future career: Unknown
Will Rushworh
Course: Philosophy and the Political Economy
Year: 2
Reason why you applied to be a student ambassador: It seemed like a great job with good pay that works around your university hours. I was also persuaded by a friend who was already an Ambassador who told me it was too good to miss! There are so many jobs out there which are no fun at all- I liked the idea of a job where often you’re paid just to be nice.
Best job you have done so far and why: There are two: firstly, the Queen’s visit for the opening of The Forum. We ushered guests in and ran the logistics before and after Her Majesty’s visit. It was a long and tiring day but the Student Ambassadors basically got paid to see the Queen- and got a free T-shirt! Secondly, I helped students to decide on their Extended Project Qualification at Colyton Grammar School. I’ve never been interested in teaching but the ideas the students came up with were really inspiring and I could see the attraction of teaching as a career.
What you feel you are getting out of it: It’s nice to have a job that fits around you, that’s varied and often good fun. You meet a great bunch of people when you’re working with the Ambassadors and generally it’s nice to be working out and about with people. Outside of the actual job, there’s your interpersonal skills that can only improve, the great boost to your CV and the fact you’re paid!
Future career: All up in the air, trying to keep my options open but something to do with China seems high on the list.
Cornwall Campus Ambassadors
Chris Lewis
Course: History & Politics
Year: 2
Reason why you applied to be a student ambassador: When I was looking at universities, the students and ambassadors here at the Cornwall campus were the most enthusiastic I had met and really sold the place to me. Having experienced the place for myself, this enthusiasm was something I wanted to pass onto prospective students, as Tremough is a great place to be and study.
Best job you have done so far and why: In my second term I was involved in a tutoring programme in a local school all about higher education for year 10 pupils. I had to lead a series of sessions all about the various options and opportunities to be pursued after secondary school. The pupils were very responsive and I found it particularly rewarding when the pupils came to visit the campus and had looked up some of the courses they would be interesting in doing here. I am looking forward to delivering the next set of sessions this year.
What you feel you are getting out of it: So far I have gained a lot of experience of working in schools and with different aged pupils, which will be invaluable when applying to get into teaching. As well as this, I have seen a lot of Cornwall and I have met and worked with some great people.
Future career: I hope to go into teaching. I participated in the Aspirational Teachers Programme at end of my first year and have got more placements lined up.
"I am really enjoying being part of the ambassador scheme and would really recommend joining the team."
Bethany Partridge
Course: History
Year: 2
Reason why you applied to be a student ambassador: I applied to be a student ambassador primarily because I wanted to get more involved with the University. I had also had a lot to do with the Exeter Ambassadors as an A-level student myself, as they came into my school to do ‘Extended Project Qualification’ classes. I remembered how helpful they were but also thought that I would have liked to speak to a local student who I could have related to more – therefore I also wanted to apply to the ambassador scheme to be able to represent local students, and help people making the decision to go to university, by assuring them you can still have a great time if you still live with your parents!
Best job you have done so far and why: It's so hard to pick a favourite job I've done with the ambassadors, because every event is so different and so great in different ways. I really enjoy talking to people one-on-one and being a small part of that huge decision-making process that is choosing a university. I have really enjoyed the work I have done in a local college helping with the Extended Project Qualification, because I know what it's like to be the student on the other end of that presentation, so it was great helping them and seeing their projects develop, knowing that I was in their position only a year ago. However, I have also really enjoyed the jobs that have involved travel, such as a UCAS fair and an open day. Driving hire cars, navigating to places I have never been before, to represent myself and the University in a brand-new place is such an amazing opportunity that continually boosts my confidence and widens my horizons!
What you feel you are getting out of it: The Ambassador Scheme is so rewarding because you really feel like every time you go into work you are doing something different that is challenging you, but that is also gaining you invaluable experience. My confidence has grown immensely and it has only added to the pride I have for the University.
Future career: I would really love to do a PGCE and go into primary school teaching when I finish my degree, but with all the opportunities the University and the ambassadors scheme are giving me, narrowing down to just one career is a tough decision!
