Promoting the BPS, supporting fellow students

Sana Rehman is a third year psychology student at Royal Holloway University in London, and one of dozens of undergraduates who have signed up to become Volunteer Student Ambassadors with the BPS.

After a successful pilot in 2022-23, a recent recruitment drive for the scheme's second year saw 81 new ambassadors enlisted and trained, bringing the total to 130.

The role of a Student Ambassador is to act as a link between the BPS, the student committee and their university, to support first years as they begin their course and to plan activities to promote psychology and connections between students.

With this in mind, Sana recently took part in a Careers and Employability Lecture for second year psychology students at Royal Holloway. Alongside representatives from the university's careers team, she gave an overview of how to gain experience within certain psychological professions, the advantages of having a BPS student membership, and what the role of a BPS ambassador entails for those might want to apply in future.

Reflecting on the experience, Sana said:

"Presenting alongside the careers department at Royal Holloway and talking about my roles as a BPS student ambassador was an incredible opportunity and an enriching experience.

It was a moment of synergy, where my academic journey and their expertise came together to offer valuable careers insights to a large crowd of second-year psychology students.

It felt empowering to share my perspective as a student and research assistant and contribute to the discussion on career development in psychology. I'm hoping there will be more opportunities to host talks as the academic year progresses.

Being a member of the BPS and serving as an ambassador holds great significance to me. It represents my commitment to the profession and my desire to promote psychology as a dynamic and inclusive field.

As an ambassador, I have the privilege of connecting with fellow students and professionals, fostering a sense of community, and advocating for the importance of psychology in various contexts.

It's a role that allows me to give back to a discipline that has enriched my academic journey and opened doors to exciting opportunities."

Harmeet Kaur, BPS Careers Officer, said:

"Our student ambassador programme enables students to develop their current skills and knowledge they have obtained from their university experience and psychology course.

We recruit conscientious individuals who are keen to articulate the value and impact of psychology.

This could be through lecture shout-outs, attending BPS led events and linking up with their university psychology staff.

It's a great opportunity to advocate on behalf of the BPS and enhance your skills working with a professional body."

Find out more about the BPS's Volunteer Student Ambassador scheme and watch this space for the next recruitment campaign which is scheduled for summer 2024.