Picture this: you’re a freshman at the number one public university in the world. You spend all your free time going to club events and football games, making new friends and truly enjoying your life and where you’re at in it. Three months go by before you remember you kind of need to get a job sometime soon. That was me, I was so wrapped up in the wonders of UC Berkeley, but I couldn’t find a campus job that was equally as exciting.
That is, until a friend of mine told me I would make a good campus ambassador. I spent so long mulling over the application, pouring hours into each short answer question and tiny detail. When I got the call back to go to the interview I was ecstatic, I had made it past the first round and I was feeling good. The audition was so fun too, looking back on it, meeting all the to-be ambassadors I now call my friends and seeing them equally as eager to join this phenomenal team, I wouldn’t trade that experience for the world.
And then I was hired. And now I’m here.
Campus ambassadors are some of the most influential people on campus. For 175,000 annual campus guests, a student ambassador is the first person they have contact with, shaping visitors’ first impressions of the university. Campus ambassadors lead tours, serve visitors at campus landmarks, support parent programs, staff special events such as Cal Day and Homecoming, as well as work with a growing number of other unique assignments. As representatives and advocates for the university, we personify the excellence and diversity of the campus community.
I get to spend my days talking to prospective students, leading campus tours, meeting families and guests from all over the world. It is so rewarding to represent the university in this way, getting to do what I do. Sometimes, I can’t believe I’m getting paid for this, I’d do it for free.
If you’re interested in becoming an ambassador, I’ve got a few resources for you! visit.berkeley.edu/becoming-a-campus-ambassador has a lot of very helpful FAQs and other information regarding the position and what it means to be a campus ambassador. If you’re a current student at the university, you can apply at tinyurl.com/CALVPS2021, but if you have some questions before you commit to that you can come visit us at one of our three upcoming informational sessions:
- Wednesday, November 10th — 5 PM to 6 PM @ The Koret Visitor Center (in California Memorial Stadium)
- Monday, November 15th — 5 PM to 6 PM @ The Koret Visitor Center (in California Memorial Stadium)
- Thursday December 2nd — 5 PM to 6 PM virtually: https://berkeley.zoom.us/j/93641850300
I promise you, there is no better choice than becoming a campus ambassador.