With GUCFS Brand Ambassador applications opening this week, 9th-16th October, we spoke to previous BA’s, Lois Adamson (Marketing Director), Rebecca Willis (PR Coordinator) and Kirsten Wales (Fundraising Director) to hear their personal experience of the role.
What was the highlight of your experience as a Brand Ambassador?
Lois: My personal highlight of being a Brand Ambassador for FOCUS 2017-18 was meeting the charity representatives of Glasgow Children’s Hospital and taking a tour of the hospital. This tour acted as a firm reminder of the important charitable cause behind all the work we do as a society. I sincerely believe that it is an honour to work with such brilliant local charities and am delighted to be working with Glasgow Women’s Aid this year.
Rebecca: I was so nervous about attending the first social on my own but it ended up being one of the best nights (other than the show!) as a BA. It was ‘around the world’ themed and we were Ancient Egyptians. It was a really diverse group that was really welcoming and a great way to meet people from different year groups.
Kirsten: As a Brand Ambassador for both FOCUS 2017-2018, and FLVX 2018-2019, my personal highlight was taking part in the Stay Warm, Stay Safe event for Simon Community Scotland. It was an all-night event, which attempted to give some insight into homelessness, and helped to reflect how much the charities that GUCFS works with can help people who are suffering. I am really excited to be working with Glasgow Women’s Aid this year, and I can’t wait to see what changes we can help to make for all of those involved.
Why do you recommend getting involved with GUCFS?
Lois: GUCFS is a society that allows you to develop your skills in the field of your choice (e.g. production, marketing, and finance, etc.) whilst raising money for charity. Furthermore, as a rapidly growing society, involvement as Brand Ambassador will allow you to meet a vast range of students of different ages and interests. The philanthropic drive and work ethos of all involved with GUCFS makes it a society to get involved with from first year.
Rebecca: I recommend getting involved in GUCFS because of the huge level of fundraising and awareness that’s done for important causes, on a scale that’s impossible to do on your own. Additionally, you gain genuinely valuable experience for your future career that doesn’t just look good on paper.
Kirsten: Getting involved with GUCFS is such a feel-good experience, and has introduced me to an amazing group of people who want to raise money for charity. Being part of GUCFS has been a real eye-opener to how much work goes into supporting charitable causes, as well as the huge changes that can be made through fundraising. It gives you a different kind of creative experience that your degree just can’t offer you!
What skills did you gain from being a Brand Ambassador?
Lois: I gained numerous skills as a Brand Ambassador such as time management, event planning, and digital marketing. I have found these skills invaluable across my time at university and firmly believe they have enhanced my performance as Campus PR on committee last year and Marketing Director this year.
Rebecca: The main skill I gained was confidence. Doing PR shifts on library hill, going up to strangers and promoting GUCFS and its charitable partner, gave me a new found confidence that I’ve used countless times since.
Kirsten: As a Brand Ambassador, I gained many of the skills which I have needed to progress to the position of Director of Charities this year. The communication and interpersonal skills I have gained from meeting so many new people through GUCFS have been important in boosting my confidence and has assisted me throughout university. I think however the most important skill I have gained from my experience with GUCFS is the importance of commitment and dedication, which have allowed me to progress within the society and served me well outwith it.
If you are in first year and want to apply to become a brand ambassador for GUCFS, visit our Facebook page for more details. If you are still curious to learn a bit more about the role, any further questions can be sent to marketing@gucfs.co.uk