At the University of Westminster, student life goes far beyond the classroom. One of the exciting opportunities available to our students is becoming a Student Ambassador. A role where you can represent the university, welcome new students and share your own experiences.

Our Student Ambassadors gain much more than paid work. They earn competitive pay with flexible hours that fit easily around their studies, so they can balance work and university life. Alongside this, they develop valuable skills in communication, leadership and teamwork, grow their professional network and build confidence that will benefit them long after graduation.

We spoke with Linda, who shares her experience of life as a Student Ambassador.

Linda’s Experience

Working as a Student Ambassador has been the best part of my journey at Westminster so far, and I don’t say that lightly.

Working as a Student Ambassador has been one of the best parts of my time at Westminster. I first got involved during an online Open Day in 2021, representing my course, Architecture ad Environmental Design BSc, and answering questions from prospective students. That experience led me into the programme, and before long I was supporting events across the university, meeting new people, and sharing my own story.

Delivering presentations on my university experience and sharing my own doubts that I had when transitioning from A-Levels to university built my confidence and brought me out of my shell. Relating with students who were going through the same journey reassured them that the uncertainty they were feeling was both common and temporary, and I made it my mission to be that one voice that reminds students they don’t have to have it all figured out to make their next step in life with confidence. Within a few months, I was actively welcoming any chance I could get to speak to guests on Open Days and connect with students during school visits to the campus, as well as travelling across the country to do the same thing at various career and education fairs

The role has developed my skills in communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, that I’ll carry into my career in architecture and beyond. More importantly, I’ve learned how to navigate uncertainty, trust myself, and step up to challenges—even when I don’t have all the answers.

But aside from all the professional and personal development I’ve benefited from during my time as an ambassador, my biggest takeaway from my four years on the programme has got to be the people I’ve met and built relationships with along the way. With COVID and the immense time pressure from my architecture degree, it felt like there was little room to make friends and spend time with people outside my course as a student. However, the ambassador programme gives you the flexibility to choose shifts that work around your schedule, and in the time that I was able to work around my classes and studio work, I met so many amazing people across the campuses from different backgrounds who I’ve formed lasting friendships with outside of work. During my lowest points, my ambassador friends have been there to morally support me when I’ve been stressed out with my design projects, but they’ve also contributed to some of the best memories I’ve made in my time at Westminster. From karaoke nights in the Hideaway to chilling in Regent’s Park and even group gym sessions together, my colleagues became my chosen family and I hope these friendships will last for years to come after I leave this place.

My manager has played a massive role, especially in this past year, in my character development. I speak for most, if not all of the ambassadors when I say that he’s always been there for us, willing to provide us with mentorship and guidance when we most need it, and I’m one of many people who have been lucky enough to have his support throughout my time at Westminster. From spending countless hours during his work day listening to our concerns, to motivating us and telling us what we need to hear to become the best versions of ourselves, I’m grateful that I got to work under the wing of someone so inspiring and down-to-earth. One of my biggest fears I have now when leaving this place is not being able to find such a supporting, friendly, welcoming environment or team to work with at the next company I find myself employed at. I didn’t realise the value of community and mutual support until I took on this role, and now it’s something that I can’t ignore the importance of. In the future, I aspire to run my own business, and it would be a dream come true if I could recreate the working environment and company culture I’ve been fortunate enough to experience during these past few years at Westminster. 

As I finish my degree and my time as an ambassador, I can honestly say this role has transformed me—for the better. If you’re looking for a way to enrich your student experience, build confidence, and make lasting connections, I’d wholeheartedly recommend becoming a Student Ambassador.

About University of Westminster

As one of the most diverse universities in the UK, we are a global university with London energy, with more than 19,000 students from 169 countries. To meet our Ambassadors and find out more about student life at Westminster come along to one of our Open Events.