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The search is on to find the most engaged ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ to volunteer to represent Imperial, as part of the annual recruitment of Rector's Ambassadors.

The scheme is open to all undergraduate and postgraduate ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½, with a deadline for applications of 11 October.

As Imperial’s student representatives the Rector’s Ambassadors play an important role in a range of College activities, from helping welcome VIPs to assisting with events such as the Imperial Festival. A key part of their role is to help provide a perspective on student life at Imperial, which can involve giving campus tours and potentially even travelling internationally to meet prospective ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ in other countries.  

Jason Parmar, a recent graduate from the Department of Chemistry, was a Rector’s Ambassador from 2010 to 2013. He said:

“I had an incredible three years as a Rector’s Ambassador. We had a really diverse community, full of fun, pro-active and interesting ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½. Not only did I meet amazing people, but I had the opportunity to improve my public speaking, time management skills and meet some fascinating VIPs and promising ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ through tours.

“I found being a Rector’s Ambassador hugely rewarding because I got to see the smile on people's faces as I showed them round the university I love and gave them unique and personal insights that they really appreciated!”

Through the scheme, the ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ can develop their transferable skills and participate in optional workshops including voice training with a practitioner from the Royal Shakespeare Company. Social events for the Ambassadors including a formal dinner each May held in recognition of the valuable contribution they make to the College community, during which the Ambassador of the Year is announced. In addition, the hours volunteered by Ambassadors will count towards the Imperial College Union’s new Imperial Plus Volunteer Certificate.

The Rector’s Ambassador Scheme began in autumn 2009 with 25 ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½, growing to 104 Ambassadors by 2012-13. It was established by Dr Joanna Shearer, Head of Student Recruitment, to address a need for a College-wide scheme to support the work of student recruitment and complement the departmental Ambassador Schemes already in existence. 

Students who are interested in participating as a Rector’s Ambassador this year can apply by downloading the application form the  and returning it to rectorsambassadors@imperial.ac.uk.  The deadline is 17.00 on 11 October 2013.