09/11/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/11/2024 06:58
Students involved in the University of Westminster's Social Media Ambassador Scheme have the chance to get trained in creating engaging social media content about life as a Westminster student and gain valuable paid work experience in a flexible part-time role.
Last year, 50 Westminster students got involved with the scheme, creating over 200 pieces of student-led video content for the University's social media platforms including Instagram and TikTok, gaining around 7.3 million impressions. The Social Media Ambassador (SMA) Scheme allows students who are passionate about their course as well as their University life to express their interests through the University's social media channels. It is a community of students across all levels and courses who are confident and comfortable with being present on social media as well as producing their own videos and other content.
One Ambassador is Rana Omrani, who studies on the Business Management (Marketing) BA Honours course on the Marylebone Campus. She has been an SMA for two years and over the course, showcased the student lifestyle, London living, activities in London and the daily life as a Westminster student. The scheme allowed her to attend and cover a variety of incredible events to meet people from various backgrounds. This role has not only enhanced her social media skills but allowed her to grow as an ambassador, helping her to secure a marketing internship at the Westminster Business School, greatly contributing to her professional growth. Additionally, she has created content resonating with a wide audience, such as a TikTok video that garnered an impressive 192,000 views.
Rana said: "Being an SMA has allowed me to connect, create and grow within the vibrant Westminster community, transforming my student experience and shaping my future career. Meeting people from all walks of life made me feel truly integrated into the Westminster community and I particularly enjoyed connecting with current and prospective students to build meaningful connections."
Abbie Fairtag was another SMA producing impactful content. She is in her final year on the Digital Media Production BA Honours course at Harrow. Abbie had the opportunity to discover film cameras to capture content around the Westminster campuses, showcasing her life as a student. She also captured film photos from the Westminster Working Cultures trip in April to Birmingham and went down to Brighton for the Great Escape Festival where Westminster Music students performed in front of industry professionals. Abbie also got to film and interview London-based multi-instrumentalist and singer/songwriter Beth McCarthy at the National Student Pride 2024, which took place on the Marylebone Campus. She has gained valuable experience and skills from the scheme, such as video editing skills using CapCut, a short-form video editing app, and videography skills from capturing content. Her networking skills have bettered as she has been able to meet and connect with lots of new people in various industries.
The scheme has assisted Abbie in becoming a social media freelancer alongside University - she has recently completed one year as a Social Media Assistant (Intern) at the UK-based record label Promised Land Records.
Abbie added: "This is the third academic year I've been an SMA! Beth McCarthy is an artist I have known for ages who played at Student Pride, so it was a wonderful opportunity to film and interview her as part of my role in the University's scheme. I am thankful for how the scheme has given me more confidence in becoming a freelance digital content creator and producer."
Photo taken using film camera of SMA Abbie (second from left) and fellow Digital Media students.
Milly Gilmore, Social Media Manager at the University and organiser of the scheme, said: "I'm so excited to see the scheme grow another year, giving students a hands-on experience in content creation and the freedom to develop their ideas. Our Social Media Ambassadors aren't just making videos; they're sharing what life at Westminster is really like and documenting their own University memories to look back on. This is more than just a side hustle - it's an opportunity for students to build social media skills that will help them thrive in today's digital world."
The role is open to all students from all courses and levels who have the right to work in the UK. Applications will close on Sunday 29 September, with onboarding sessions starting on Wednesday 16 October.
Learn more about the Social Media Ambassador Scheme or chat to the team at the Welcome Fairs.
Social Media Ambassadors at a WeNetwork Freelancing session.
Merchandise at the WeNetwork Freelancing session.
Final-year student Lara captured her last term at Westminster on a disposable camera.