Why You Should Consider Becoming A Campus Ambassador

Well, folks, another summer down the drain, and what do you have to show for it? A few regrettable Facebook pictures and another internship to stretch that résumé to a full page?

The good news is, at least you can get rid of the part that reads, “Experienced babysitter, well-versed in Xbox and Nerf guns.”

We all know what it’s like, sitting in your cubicle wondering, “Just how long is too long in the stall?" Because let’s be honest: Nobody would even notice if you were gone anyway.

Regardless, you grind it out, working for “experience” instead of money, which, by the way, is the biggest scam since Stratton Oakmont started filing pink slips.

But what other choices do you have? You have to put yourself in the best position to get a job after college, even if it means grinding your teeth as you organize the filing cabinets.

But, what if I told you there were another way? A way where you can get paid to work on your own time and choose your favorite brand to work for, all while still on campus.

After years of parents, teachers and guidance counselors telling you that an internship was the only way to get your foot in the door at a potential employer, I’m here to tell you that’s no longer the case. It’s not that they were wrong; it’s just that the model of work experience has changed.

Campus ambassador programs are becoming a major resource for brands and companies looking to market products and expand Millennial outreach.

Most students have heard about "campus ambassadors" from friends, social media and recent news coverage. A campus ambassador, also known as a campus rep, acts as a brand's liaison on college campuses.

From setting up events to giving product feedback to creating marketing campaigns, students can gain the valuable work experience they need to become competitive upon graduation.

Think about it from the brand’s perspective: What better way is there to market products than by having college students promote the brand in a market of thousands of influential consumers?

Now, luckily, these brands aren’t stupid. Companies know how valuable one student is in spreading positive product reviews throughout campuses, like the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge spread through Facebook.

In fact, 84 percent of students say word-of-mouth is the primary influence in their purchasing decisions. Let’s be real: I don’t care how many times you put that American flag tank top on the side of my Facebook, I’m not clicking it.

Now, let’s take a look at ambassadorships from the student’s perspective. It’s no secret that most students are so poor, they’ve finally convinced themselves that Keystone is real beer. And, if you’re anything like me, you would probably rather go the rest of your life without a big toe than work in the dining hall.

So, why not try an ambassadorship program? For a few hours of work a week, students can earn some extra cash, get free products and software, and in some cases, even gain credit towards graduation.

The most valuable aspect of ambassador programs for students is gaining familiarity with the company. What most students don’t know is that companies use these programs to find interns and even full-time hires.

They act as training programs for students to become affiliated with the brand and give employers a chance to understand a student’s talents and abilities. Over the last few years, ambassador programs have become a stipend of on-campus branding and recruiting for dozens of Gen-Y's favorite brands.

Whether you’re interested in fashion, sports, entertainment or technology, want to work for a fortune 500 corporation or a small emerging startup, there are hundreds of companies looking for your help.

Great opportunities with great brands don’t come easily. You have four years to figure out what you plan to do for the next 40, so why not start with an ambassador program?

Start networking, enhancing your skillset and earning money to live up to the hype that college is supposed to be.

Photo Courtesy: We Heart It