Student ambassadors

What does a Student Ambassador do?

With support from our Careers Team and our BPS Branch Network, you'll be encouraged to use your own ideas and creativity to see what works best at your university. Here are some ideas: 

• Introduce yourself as a BPS Student Ambassador: Reach out to your careers team and psychology department to discuss any initiatives where you could get involved 
• Promote Careers in Psychology: Share BPS careers and membership related resources within your university. Set up a notice board or share an electronic poster
• Freshers and Careers fairs: Organise a stand or virtual space (if held online) where you can introduce yourself and promote the BPS
• Lecture shout outs: Speak to your course team about organising a talk about what you do as a student ambassador, your university experience, who the BPS are, and careers within psychology (resources and support will be provided) 
• Activities for Students: Provide BPS careers related resources to students at activities you organise. This could include coffee catch ups, movie evenings, games nights, etc

How do I become a Student Ambassador?

If you're interested in joining the Student Ambassador Programme, follow these steps: 

• Check eligibility: Ensure you're a current undergraduate student studying an accredited psychology degree or a postgraduate student studying a psychology conversion course. 
• Application process: Applications open in February 2025. Complete an online form or submit a video detailing your course, interest in the role, experience and what skills you wish to develop. 
• Selection criteria: Candidates are assessed on enthusiasm, communication skills, and alignment with BPS values. You can refer to both personal and professional experiences in your application. 
• Shortlisting: Candidates will be shortlisted by their local branch committee.
• Training: Successful candidates will receive online training on the programmes structure, the support we can provide, BPS policies and stakeholders, event management and communication.

As the BPS is a diverse forward-thinking employer, we strongly encourage individuals to apply who have a disability, impairment, who are neurodivergent and who identify as Black, Asian or from another minority ethnic background.    

If you require any special arrangements or adjustments to be made in throughout the recruitment process and within the role, please let us know by emailing [email protected].

Wherever possible, we will make arrangements to accommodate your needs so that you can give your best. 

Timeline (subject to change)

1. Applications will open in February 2025 and close March 2025
2. Students are informed of the outcome of their application by end of May
3. Students are advised to accept/decline their role by end of June
4. Online training is to be completed by end of July
5. Live training workshops held online in August
6. Role begins end of September

Why should I become a Student Ambassador? 

The Student Ambassador Programme comes with a bunch of great benefits that go beyond just the immediate rewards of the role: 

• Skills development: Enhance public speaking, communication, leadership, event, and time management skills to boost employability. 
• Networking opportunities: Build connections within the industry and with peers, opening doors to mentorship and job opportunities. 
• Flexible working hours:  Balance around work and study with no minimum hour's requirement. 
• Free Student Membership: Includes free online and app access to our official magazine, The Psychologist, plus free access to our student magazine PsychTalk, where you can submit your own writing (check out the Student Membership page to find out more)
• Personal growth: Gain confidence and resilience by tackling new challenges, contributing to personal development. 
• Recognition and awards: Earn recognition and awards for your contributions to the programme and your community. 

What our Student Ambassadors say

Get inspired by reading testimonials from current and past Student Ambassadors: 

Charlotte Narejko from University of Derby says:

• "This position has really enhanced my confidence. I am part of an awesome, supportive team!" 

An Cheng from University of Bristol says:

• "My favourite part is definitely meeting new people at events and learning new things along the way! This role has greatly enhanced my communication, time management and leadership skills, so I would strongly recommend applying for it if you are interested in psychology, fun events and networking. 😊" 

Faye Harrison from Open University says: 

• "It's helped me grow in confidence, reduced the imposter syndrome I had when I took on the course (as it's a conversion master's and I don't have a background in psychology) and I really feel like I have a much better understanding, and I 'belong' in this community." 

Al Payne from Staffordshire University says:

• "As a mature student, I found the student ambassador role helped me develop connections and a sense of belonging at times when I felt out of place. The opportunities to engage with the BPS, as well as reaching out to other students on campus as an ambassador, are an amazing way to foster community. It's been a fun experience, and I look forward to working with the BPS even more in the future. " 

Sana Rehman from Queen Mary's University says:

• "Becoming and Ambassador has helped me massively grow my personal skills in communication and networking. This is such a unique experience where you are working with the university, BPS careers team and the Psychology department.
  
  This role has given me a strong confidence in skills I've always wanted to be better at like public speaking and networking which has helped me land jobs in university as a student."