Undergraduate recruitment ambassadors aid prospective students in college selection process
Meet three KU Business Student Ambassadors who help future Business Jayhawks navigate college decisions
KU School of Business student ambassadors represent the school to prospective students. Ambassadors visit with prospective students and their families and give them tours of Capitol Federal Hall while sharing their experiences in the college search process and student life at the school and KU. They also represent the school during the university’s recruitment days by answering questions and providing advice for their college journey.
Meet three of the school’s ambassadors: Eve Bertoncino, Julia Denny and Andrew Phalen, and read about their experiences.
First off, introduce yourself.
I am a sophomore from Pittsburg, Kansas, majoring in human resource management and minoring in public administration. Outside of school, I am a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. and work downtown at Urban Outfitters. My hobbies include community service, reading and working out. I am interested in going into nonprofit work after college.
How long have you been a part of the ambassador program?
This is my first year as a student ambassador.
Why were you interested in joining this program?
I wanted to join the program because I thought it would be a great way to give back to the school. I also love talking to people and enjoy playing a part in the KU experience for high schoolers.
What skills have you gained from being a part of this program?
Joining this program has helped so much with my public speaking skills. Giving tours and connecting with people has made me much more confident and has allowed me to grow as an individual.
Do you have a memorable experience or highlight from your time as an ambassador?
My favorite experiences of the job are when I am giving a tour to a student I connect with. It is very rewarding to see someone get excited about coming to KU.
Do you have any advice for students interested in participating in the ambassador program?
For anyone wanting to join the program, my advice to you would be to fill out the application as soon as you can. I would also say get ready to do lots of talking!
What do you recommend students do to get involved during their time at KU?
My advice for student involvement would be to not be afraid to branch out. It can be very scary to try new things, but most of the time it can also be very rewarding.
First off, introduce yourself.
I’m a junior double-majoring in finance and political science from Overland Park. In school, I’m a resident assistant, a teaching assistant for BUS 150 Foundations of Business, the vice president of finance for Delta Sigma Pi. I’m also a finance scholar and in Alpha Delta Pi sorority. Outside of school, I really enjoy reading, playing tennis, trying new coffee shops and hanging out with friends.
How long have you been a part of the ambassador program?
I have been a part of the ambassador program since fall 2023.
Why were you interested in joining this program?
I was interested in joining this program because when I was deciding where I wanted to go to college, my tour of the business school played a big part in my decision. The business ambassador giving me the tour was so excited about being at KU. His passion for the school and the activities he was involved in helped me see myself being successful at KU. Now I also feel really passionate about the business school and all the activities I have been able to be a part of, and I want to share my experiences with others.
What skills have you gained from being a part of this program?
I think the main skill I have gained from business ambassadors is communication. Giving a tour on a weekly basis has helped me get better at articulating my experiences and telling stories about what I’ve done. This skill has been beneficial when it comes to interviews and networking.
What is a memorable experience or highlight from your time as an ambassador?
One of the highlights from my time as an ambassador has been getting to know other business ambassadors. It is a really great group of people that are fun to spend time with. I love going to the ambassador office in between classes and hanging out with other ambassadors.
Do you have any advice for students interested in participating in the ambassador program?
It is really important to be involved and be able to speak positively about your involvement. You have to be comfortable with public speaking and show a generally positive attitude about the School of Business and KU in general.
What do you recommend students do to get involved during their time at KU?
My best advice for student involvement is to start early and try a lot of things. I didn’t really know what aspect of business I was interested in until I started going to club meetings and learning what those different areas were. I would have never switched my major to finance without going to a Women in Finance meeting, and I never would have gotten into [Jennett] Finance Scholars without the connections that I made through Women in Finance. It is good to try to go to as many things as possible as a freshman so you can learn what you enjoy and can then focus your attention on the things you enjoy later.
First off, introduce yourself
I am a junior double-majoring in finance and management from Lawrence, Kansas. Outside of school, I enjoy watching sports, investing and playing basketball with my friends.
How long have you been a part of the ambassador program?
This is my fourth semester in the program.
Why were you interested in joining this program?
I became interested in the program because I had been positively impacted by events like BizHawk day during my college decision process.
What skills have you gained from being a part of this program?
Since joining the program, my conversational public speaking skills have significantly improved.
Do you have any advice for students interested in participating in the ambassador program?
My biggest advice would be to get involved and actively engage with the happenings in the business school. Most of our jobs are just knowing about what goes on between different majors, clubs and organizations.
What do you recommend students do to get involved during their time at KU?
My best advice is to talk with older students in clubs or organizations you are interested in. Ones in leadership roles or longer-term members are able to share about what has made their experiences most fulfilling and fun.
Applications are open for School of Business undergraduate recruitment ambassadors and close March 3. Learn more and apply at rockcha.lk/biz-ambassadors.
By Grace Ludes
