We’re Hiring! Student Involvement Ambassador – One of the best jobs on campus!
Are you looking for an engaging, creative, and fun job on campus next year? Have you ever wanted to know what happens “behind-the-scenes” of Student Activities at UConn? We are accepting applications for the Student Involvement Ambassador position in the Student Organization Support & Involvement (SOSI) Office.
To give you an in-depth look at the position, we’ve interviewed the current Student Involvement Ambassador team to answer questions about what it’s like to work here!
Q: Hey Ambassadors, tell us about you!
A: {Olivia} Hi! I’m a psychology major and a junior! I’ve been in the office since I was a freshmen!
A:{Ola} Hola! I’m a senior about to graduate with a dual degree in Marketing and Communication.
A: {Ryann} Hello! I’m graduating this year with a dual degree in Human Development & Family Studies, and Women’s, Gender, & Sexuality.
A: {Katie} I am currently a senior working on my degrees in Political Science and History while minoring in International and European Studies.
A: {Dana} I am a senior majoring in Physiology and Neurobiology. Sadly graduating this year!
Thanks ladies! Now let’s talk about the job!
Q: How did you get involved as an Ambassador?
A: {Ryann} My first interaction with this office was actually when I became the president of my RSO, Gamma Phi Beta. I had gone through the RSO trainings but my sorority sister recommended I try for the job. I can honestly say it was one of my best decisions because I was able to take part in the re-creation of our leadership workshop series and now I get to be the one supporting new student officers in their leadership development!
A: {Olivia} I got involved with the SOSI by working as a Student Admin my freshman year. Often times I would work with the ambassadors and consequently get to know what their job was like. I was interested in having a larger role in the Involvement Fair and by the end of my sophomore year I was ready for a little more leadership!
Q: What do you actually do as an Ambassador?
A: {Ola} Our position varies depending on the time of the year. All year long we meet with new officers who wish to start a new student organization on our campus. We also teach leadership workshops to RSO leaders that help to enhance their skills in regards to running a group. Not only do we teach workshops, but we create them too. At the end of each semester we prepare for the upcoming Involvement Fair! It requires a lot of planning but it is also enjoyable to see our hard work come together for the students of UConn. As a Student Ambassador your main role is to be a resource for student leaders and help them have a successful RSO.
Q: What is it like working as a Student Involvement Ambassador?
A: {Dana} Working for SOSI is always fun and exciting. There is always something interesting going on in the office. Each day presents a new challenge, but all of the staff are super friendly and always willing to help with anything that you might need.
A: {Katie} Working in the SOSI office is fantastic, the staff and student workers are close and the environment is friendly. It’s more than just an office job; the individuals who work in the office encourage you to strive for your best, encourage you to grow, and are there to help with work related questions and overall life advice.
Q: What is the time commitment?
A: {Ryann} We tend to work more hours the first two weeks of a semester because we teach more workshops then and we participate in running the Involvement Fairs. Otherwise, the average work week is about 8 -10 hours, which is very manageable with almost any school schedule and extracurricular activities. Both Dana and I were actually presidents of our organizations when we started!
Q: What are the benefits of becoming an ambassador?
A: {Dana} I have gained a lot of professional experience through working on fun projects like the involvement fair and creating workshops. Also, a huge benefit is the staff that we work with. All the staff in the office is so friendly and helpful that they make it fun to come in to work each day.
A: {Ola} I have learned more than I thought I would during this job. I have gotten a lot of experience with software such as Microsoft Access as well as InDesign. I also have gained an incredible amount of leadership skills. From teaching workshops to helping individual student leaders, I have learned how to communicate well with all different types of people. I also improved significantly on my public speaking and presentation skills.
Q: What is your favorite part of the job?
A: {Olivia} My favorite part of the job is having New Organization meetings. When a student on campus wants to start a new club they submit an application and set up a meeting with us. I love to see how excited these students are to get their organization started and I get to help support them in their startup.
I have also loved working as a part of the student ambassador team because it really is a team. Collaboration and teamwork are two of the most often used skills you’ll need in this position.
