Reflections of our outgoing Careers Ambassador

Hello! I’m Giulia, a final year English and Philosophy student here at the University of Dundee and this year I took on the role of Careers Ambassador.  The job has been one of the most rewarding so far, let me tell you why…

Who?

Two University of Dundee Students.

What?

Working in fairs, creating social media content, providing feedback, and simply helping out the Careers Service in whatever way you can.

Where? 

The University of Dundee Careers Service of course!

When?

Semester time, September to April.

How?

Mostly being a smiley face and an intermediate between fellow students and the Careers Service. Making sure that everyone knows about the amazing opportunities that the Careers Service has to offer.

Stage 1 – Becoming a Careers Ambassador

It’s the beginning of May, a position opens at the Careers Service: Careers Ambassador. So I send my CV and cover letter, I get the interview, wait what??? I’m a Careers Ambassador???  What I remember most from the interview is how friendly the interview team was.  They put me at ease right away as well as encouraging me throughout the process.

Stage 2 – My First Fair

September approaches and, along with it, my first fair as a Careers Ambassador.  I put on my brand-new Careers Ambassador hoodie and I’m ready to go.  I remember being a bit nervous, will I be able to approach and talk to so many people and overall maintaining a smiley friendly face over a period of four hours?  Turns out I could, and I did it in all the fairs I worked at.  What I enjoyed the most was meeting and talking to so many wonderful and different people.

Stage 3 – Gaining Confidence with Social Media Posts

What happens when you have to create posts to attract every student’s attention?  It can be a bit nerve recking.  However, as time went on, I gained more confidence and skills and was really looking forward to getting creative with posts.  Furthermore, the Careers Service directed us towards a Social Media Training course which proved essential for our formation. 

Stage 4 – Gaining Confidence with Providing Feedback

One of the hardest tasks for me personally was providing feedback on the Careers Service Website.  I felt like I was nobody to give advice to this extraordinary team.  However, the team quickly let me understand that the Careers Ambassadors’ opinion is just as valuable (especially because we are students acting for students) and I everyday found it easier to give suggestions on what fellow students would enjoy seeing.

Working with The Careers Service Team

I’ve already given hints on the “amazingness” of the team.  Everyone is a smiley face to turn to, always ready to help in any way they can. They will make you feel just as valuable as they are and are overall friendly people you can chat to while setting up a fair or during a break.

My Personal Growth – What I have Learned

My position as Careers Ambassador has provided me with valuable transferrable skills such as media management and content creation, working with a public, providing written feedback and teamwork. 

Final thoughts…

I truly believe that the role has been rewarding in many ways such as improving my CV.  However, it has been extremely valuable to have this position as a student.  In fact, by acting as an intermediate between fellow students and the Careers Service, I have learned so much more about myself, about my own person.  I’ve been able to dig deep into my university experience and discovered the value and perks of being a student, as well as learning to be critical of some parts of this life.