JOIN A TEAM THAT'S GOT GREAT CHEMISTRY (AND BIOLOGY, AND PHYSICS......)
The Science Ambassador Team volunteers at all of our Open House events. If you're interested in becoming a Science Ambassador, applications typically open in the Spring Term.
About the team
Science ambassadors are a group of over 80 undergraduate Science student volunteer leaders who represent the Faculty and the University at several recruitment events throughout the year. Ambassadors offer their personal perspectives on what it’s like to be a current student, answer questions about Waterloo Science, and ultimately, help future students decide if the Faculty of Science is a good fit for them. Ambassadors have a powerful impact; with compassion, tact, and intelligence, they help future students through what may very well be one of the most important decisions of their lives.
The role
The Science Ambassador training program gives you key responsibilities and an official title to put on your resume, along with a certificate of completion.
Successful applicants will:
- Attend required training sessions and team-building exercises (once per term) to become experts, capable of answering future student and parent questions about Waterloo Science;
- Guide at least 2 Science tours from the Visitors Centre for visiting families showing off our Science building and facilities while sharing the student experience;
- Write personalized hand written congratulations notes to admitted students;
- Participate in on- and off-campus recruitment events as program booth representatives, science tour guides, and student panel members during presentations. Such events include the Ontario Universities Fair, Fall Open House, March Break Open House, You@Waterloo Day, among possible others;
- Participate in voluntary committees involved in recruitment projects such as event planning, marketing, and future Ambassador hiring;
- Be available to future students, their parents/guardians, and stakeholders for personal contact and shadow opportunities.
Requirements
- Helpful attitude and willingness to take initiative;
- Commitment to the advancement of Waterloo Science’s aspiration to attract outstanding students (leaders in service, academics, social justice, entrepreneurship, etc.);
- At least Good academic standing in your program;
- An understanding of the responsibility of the role you are undertaking (e.g. considering your online persona and what it says about you);
- A passion for and knowledge of Waterloo Science!
How it typically works
All applicants will complete an online written application followed by an interview. Students who cannot make the interview with a valid reason will be offered an online interview. Successful candidates will be offered an invitation to the Science Ambassador Team.
Timeline
- June: Online written applications due
- July: Science Ambassador in person interviews and online interviews
- August: Upper tier position interviews
Science Ambassadors may apply for up to two upper tier positions:
- Science Ambassador Team Lead
- Science Ambassador Program Specialist
| Science Ambassador Team Lead | Science Ambassador Program Specialist | Science Ambassador |
|---|---|---|
| 20 selected per year (1 student per program) | 20 selected per year (1 student per program) | 60 selected per year |
| Two-day training workshop in September. Leadership Training. Refresh training and team building at the beginning of each subsequent term. | One-day training workshop in September. Refresh training and team building at the beginning of each subsequent term. | One-day training workshop in September. Refresh training and team building at the beginning of each subsequent term. |
| Trained to assist the Science Recruitment Coordinator in leading the Science Ambassador Team. May take on specialized roles, as needed, such as Science Tour Guide Team Lead, Shadow Program Team Lead, etc. | Trained to assist the Science Recruitment Coordinator at events and support the ambassador team through expertise as a senior student. | Trained to assist Science Recruitment Coordinator at events, but not necessarily in a leadership role. |
| Selected via interview. Only available to Science Ambassadors. | Selected via interview. Only available to Science Ambassadors. | Selected via application screening, followed by a group interview process. |
| it is mandatory to attend all four annual recruitment events.* | It is mandatory to attend at least three out of four annual recruitment events.* | It is mandatory to attend at least three out of four annual recruitment events.* |
*We understand students may have commitments they cannot change, such as exams, co-op interviews, etc., however, we require Ambassadors to prioritize attendance at recruitment events. Students on co-op are only expected to attend events if they are close enough to commute; this will be considered on a case by case basis and will not affect the application.
Benefits
- Be part of an enthusiastic team. Science Ambassadors form a close-knit group who meets every term for team building activities.
- Get to know Science faculty and staff. At recruitment events, meet and connect with your profs and others connected with the faculty and the university.
- Share your passion. Showcase your pride for science, your program, and the University of Waterloo and help future students make one of the most important decisions of their lives.
- Be a featured student. Ambassadors are the only students chosen to represent Science in printed materials including the brochure, and the Science websites.
- Meet an EDGE requirement. Complete your 36 volunteer hours per term to meet the requirement to list the Science Ambassador role as one of your volunteer experiences.
- Put it on your resume. Required Ambassador training in professional development (leadership, communication, etc.) and in Faculty of Science messaging lead to a Science Ambassador certificate that you can include on your resume.
Your support
The Science Ambassador Team is supported by and accountable to the Science Recruitment Coordinator for the Dean of Science Office.