School of Accounting and Finance (SAF) Outreach & Ambassador Program (SOAP)

What is the SOAP Ambassador Program?

SOAP is a volunteer initiative that partners with the SAF Recruitment and Outreach team to showcase the vibrant experiences and opportunities within our academic community.

Are you passionate about connecting with prospective students? Interested in representing SAF at events like open houses, conferences, and specialty tours? Want to make a meaningful impact in the SAF community?

Then the SOAP Ambassador Program is for you!

As a SOAP Ambassador, you'll help introduce future students to SAF and share what makes our programs special.

Events you may support:

  • Fall and Spring Open Houses 
  • You @ Waterloo Day 
  • Ontario Universities Fair (OUF)
  • Be the Future Conference
  • CPA Ontario No Limits Conference
  • DECA Conferences
  • Alumni Excellence Gala 
  • Audience-specific outreach (e.g. Black Brilliance on campus, Indigenous High School Business Conference)
SAF students discussing at a table

Incoming first-year student applications are now open!

Application deadline: Friday, September 18, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.

Please note:

  • Applicants must be available for a one-year commitment (Nov '26 to Oct '27)
  • Upper Year applications have closed; this application window is only open to incoming first-year students in the Class of 2031.

Questions about the application or the SOAP Ambassador program?

Contact the SAF Recruitment and Outreach team at saf@uwaterloo.ca 

Ambassador Roles

All ambassadors are given the opportunity and expected to participate in prospective events (open houses, OUF, classroom visits, etc). However, we have broken down other responsibilities into two categories: Marketing ambassadors and Unibuddy Ambassadors 

As a Marketing Ambassador, you are expected to act as event and social brand ambassador. Our marketing ambassador role is being split into two sub-category roles; program creators and student engagement. All marketing ambassadors will be required to attend outreach training (1-2hrs, offered in October and January) to assist with their role.

  • Program creator ambassadors will work specifically to build content for our recruitment and outreach initiatives. These ambassadors will be called on to create case studies, competition content, judging materials and other assets that highlight the work you do in both your academic and professional careers. Our team will rely on your expertise in your program to ensure content reflects current industry experience and classroom learning.
  • Student engagement ambassadors are specifically with our team in promotional and person-facing initiatives. This subteam will be first called upon to represent SAF in student panels, presentations, competition judging and classroom visits. This team will also work closely with our social media and content creation team to create photo and video promotional material. Students interested in this position will be expected to not only be in front of the camera but tackle basic editing of their own content as well.

As a Unibuddy and Online Ambassador, you are responsible for: Creating a Unibuddy profile for our student online messaging platform. You are a consistent online representation of the SAF student community. This role is incredibly valuable to help bridge the community gap for students who are unable to meet us in person. You are expected to respond to all prospective student inquiries within 24hrs using the Unibuddy platform/app, create articles and stories about events and other experiences as a SAF student.

Requirements
  • Completion of the following:
    • SOAP application
    • Online Interview (Successful Applicants through first round)
    • SAF information and program training session
  • A strong desire to help enhance and be a part of the SOAP
  • A one-year commitment to SOAP (from November - October)
  • A sense of responsibility to the advancement of SAF’s reputation and goal of attracting outstanding students
  • A clear understanding of the SAF messaging, especially as it pertains to future students
  • A passion for and knowledge of the School and your program
  • Advanced skills and/or characteristics in the following areas:
    • Communication (written and verbal)
    • Leadership
    • Resilience
    • Commitment
    • Responsibility
    • Motivation/drive
    • Passion
    • Team player
    • Ability to make a great first impression

Eligibility

Any student who is registered in a full-time SAF program:

  • Accounting and Financial Management (AFM)
  • Biotechnology/Chartered Professional Accountant (Biotech/CPA) or Science and Financial Management (ScFM)
  • Computing and Financial Management (CFM)
  • Mathematics/Chartered Professional Accountant (Math/CPA)
  • Sustainability and Financial Management (SFM)

and meets the above-mentioned requirements can apply to the SOAP program. From there, representatives from the SAF Recruitment and Outreach team will contact a select group of students to move forward to the interview process.