My Journey as a Student Ambassador at Herts

When I first joined the University of Hertfordshire, I never imagined I would end up leading tours, running events, and chatting to students and parents about university life. Fast forward to now—being a Student Ambassador has become one of the best and most unexpected parts of my university experience. It’s helped me grow in confidence, develop loads of transferable skills, and meet some amazing people along the way. 

Building confidence (one event at a time) 

I will be honest, public speaking used to terrify me. The idea of standing in front of a big group of strangers? Nope, not for me. But once I started working at open days and school visits, I slowly got the hang of it. 

I still remember my very first campus tour. I was so nervous that I had written bullet points in my notepad, just in case my mind went blank. But halfway through, a parent asked a question about accommodation, and I found myself answering naturally, sharing my own experiences, making them laugh, and that’s when I realised: hey, I can do this. 

Now, I actually look forward to speaking at events! I have learned how to adapt to different audiences, whether it’s prospective students, parents, or even staff. It’s been so rewarding to see nervous students open up by the end of a tour or talk. 

Real teamwork in action 

Being a Student Ambassador isn’t something you do alone. One of my favourite shifts was during a really busy Open Day. We were short on staff, and things could’ve gotten chaotic had it not been for the great team I was working with. 

I was assigned to the registration desk and, as queues started to grow, one of the ambassadors jumped in to help scan visitors while another offered tote bags to waiting guests. We didn’t need to be told what to do—we just worked together, communicated clearly, and supported each other. By the end of the day, our team leader even said it was one of the smoothest events they’d run, despite the numbers. Moments like that really stick with you. 

A flexible way to earn money 

Let’s be real—being a student means budgeting is a must. One of the things I love about being a Student Ambassador is that it pays well and works around your schedule. You can pick shifts that fit around lectures and deadlines, and there’s a variety of roles—from giving tours and working at career fairs to helping at local school visits. 

It’s not like a typical part-time job where you have to commit to the same hours every week. It’s super flexible, which is perfect when you’ve got assignments piling up or need to prep for exams. 

Why you should totally go for it 

Aside from the money (which is always helpful!), this role gives you experience that looks amazing on your CV. I’ve learned so much—from presenting in front of big groups to organising events, problem-solving on the spot, and even mentoring younger students. 

But the best part? You get to make a real difference. I remember how helpful the ambassadors were when I came for my first campus tour—it made me feel so much more comfortable about joining uni. Now, being able to do that for someone else is such a full-circle moment. 

Final Thoughts 

If you’re looking for a job that’s fun, flexible, and helps you grow personally and professionally, becoming a Student Ambassador might be exactly what you need. I’ve made friends, gained confidence, and had so many unforgettable moments thanks to this whole team. 

So go for it—you never know where a campus tour or an Open Day might lead you. 😊

                                                          

Hi, I’m Nuzhat Tasnim Rifa, a final-year Computer Science student at the University of Hertfordshire. I’m passionate about technology, learning new skills, and helping others navigate university life. Alongside my studies, I’ve taken a part-time role at the university as a Student Ambassador, which has helped me grow in confidence, communication, and leadership. I enjoy balancing academics with real-life experiences and love sharing what I’ve learned to support others on a similar path. This blog site is a space where I share tips, reflections, and insights to help students make the most of their time at university and beyond.