Become a Student Sustainability Ambassador!

Image: Nuzulia Fajriningrum (left) and Laura Dewhurst (right), former Student Sustainability Ambassadors.

Our Sustainability Ambassadors Programme connects you with fellow students and staff who share a passion for sustainability. Working together, you will develop innovative sustainability initiatives to inspire positive change across the campus and support your development as a sustainability leader. Applications to become a Student Sustainability Ambassador are now open until 12th October 2023.  

We interviewed two former Student Sustainability Ambassadors, Nuzulia Fajriningrum, (MSc Economics and Policy of Energy and the Environment) and Laura Dewhurst, (MSc Science Communications) about the benefits of becoming an ambassador, their experiences and why you should take part in the programme.  

1. What made you apply to become a Student Sustainability Ambassador? 

Nuzulia: Well, it began with my interest in climate-related issues, including sustainable energy and the environment. Apart from studying, I truly wanted to make the most of my experience at UCL and applying to become a Student Sustainability Ambassador seemed like the perfect opportunity to do just that. Given my passion for sustainability, I felt that joining this programme was a way to contribute to the university and local community and connect with like-minded individuals during my relatively short stay.  

Laura: I applied to become a Student Sustainability Ambassador, as I wanted to channel my energy into making a positive environmental impact, to help empower action. It was a great opportunity to work within the UCL team, pushing towards environmental goals. 

2. Do you think being a Student Sustainability Ambassador contributed to your personal development? 

Nuzulia: Absolutely, this role has had a profound impact on my personal development, and every opportunity provides me with new, innovative knowledge and valuable networks. Performing as a Student Sustainability Ambassador has improved my communication and time-management skills, which I believe will be helpful in my future career. Additionally, it has allowed me to gain hands-on experience in project management and event organisation, something I might have yet to have the chance to do otherwise. So, it's been a fulfilling and growth-oriented experience. 

Laura: As a Science Communication MSc student at UCL, the role of Communications and Engagement Ambassador particularly appealed to me, as it allowed me to develop my practical communication skills on the job. It gave me real-world experience of writing commissioned pieces on UCL's environmental work, alongside being supported in pursuing my own communication ideas. This experience will be useful to me as I look towards a career in the environmental communication field. 

3. What did you do in the programme? 

Nuzulia: My role as a Communications and Engagement Ambassador involved reporting and promoting the Student Union's Sustainability projects and programmes through communication channels, like Websites, Blogs, social media, or in person. This included supporting the university's sustainability efforts and ensuring students had access to resources for sustainable actions. I've also had the pleasure of volunteering and participating in various sustainability events to support other functions on our campus, like the student-led Green Walkers communities, UCL Green Impact student auditors, and Wild Bloomsbury gardening events for World Environment Day. 

Laura: As a Communications and Engagement Ambassador, I produced social media posts, and wrote articles, on UCL's sustainability initiatives, covering various events, and spotlighting different ways for people to take environmental action. I also had the opportunity to be a part of UCL's Student Sustainability Council, feeding my ideas for a greener university to UCL staff.  Further, I gained new skills in training to become a student auditor for UCL's Green Impact programme.  

4. What was your highlight of being a Student Sustainability Ambassador? 

Nuzulia: One of the most memorable moments for me was becoming a volunteer at the London Student Sustainability Conference 2023. It was an inspiring experience to connect with my friends studying and working in the same fields in London and meet new individuals who share a deep passion for sustainability from different universities. Moreover, gaining an IEMA-certified environmental auditing training and applying that knowledge to conduct sustainability audits for UCL's Green Impact initiative with other student auditors was incredibly rewarding. These experiences are the ones I will treasure and remember. 

Laura: My highlight was covering the launch of UCL's new Education for Sustainable Development network, as it was a great opportunity to meet lots of new people across UCL, to develop my writing skills, and to publish the final article on UCL's website, which was a great feeling. 

Image: Laura Dewhurst taking part in the Education for Sustainable Development Network Launch.

5. Would you recommend becoming a Student Sustainability Ambassador to other students? 

Nuzulia: Absolutely, I would wholeheartedly recommend becoming a Student Sustainability Ambassador. Especially for Master's students, even though it is true that sometimes we struggle with tight schedules and limited time, it's a way to make your experience in the UK even more meaningful. This experience allowed me to contribute to promoting sustainability within the university and the local community while gaining skills in communication, project management, and leadership, which are invaluable and can benefit you in any career path. Lastly, it's an excellent way to connect with people who share your values and goals in sustainability. The friendships and sense of community that come with it are something I truly cherish. 

Laura: Being a Sustainability Ambassador at UCL is a great opportunity to get involved with environmental action whilst at university. It is also a great chance to meet and network with staff across UCL, whilst making friends with fellow Sustainability Ambassador students. I have felt very supported and encouraged by Sustainable UCL staff throughout my time volunteering and would recommend this opportunity to other students. 

Feeling inspired?  

Becoming a UCL Student Sustainability Ambassador is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to positive change, develop valuable skills, and connect with like-minded individuals. As Nuzulia and Laura have shared, it's a rewarding experience that can enhance your personal and professional development. 

Applications for the Student Sustainability Ambassador programme are now open until 12th October 2023. We're seeking passionate undergraduate and postgraduate students to develop skills in project management, sustainability, teamwork, communication, and leadership.  

No prior sustainability knowledge required, we offer training and year-round staff support, and you will be required to take part in 20 hours of volunteering. The programme runs from October 2023 to May 2024, offering flexibility in your role.  

Explore the Student Ambassador Programme and Apply here