Become a UD Social Media Ambassador

Article by Lauren Mahr December 01, 2017

Program accepting student applications for Spring 2018 semester

The University of Delaware Office of Communications and Marketing (OCM) is now accepting applications from students interested in joining the Social Media Ambassador (SMA) program for the Spring 2018 semester.

Undergraduate students from all majors interested in social media, video production, marketing, photography, vlogging and event planning are invited to apply.

The University’s SMA program, overseen by UD’s marketing team, is a unique and fun opportunity for students to gain professional social media experience before graduating.

SMAs are given official Blue Hen Twitter and Instagram accounts to share their experiences at Delaware with fellow and prospective students. They work as a team to create and curate fun, engaging content for the Blue Hen Says Twitter account as well as other official UD social media accounts.

SMAs also gain special access to cover a variety of campus events — such as VIP passes to UD football and basketball games, “Tweet seats” at performances by the UD Resident Ensemble Players and press passes to cover campus visits by famous speakers.

SMAs play an important role in the University’s greater communications efforts by helping promote major initiatives and outreach campaigns.

“As an engineering major, everything is very black and white,” senior Lauren Layre (@BlueHenLaurenL) said. “Participating in the SMA program has allowed me the opportunity to step away from physics and explore the colorful and creative outlet of social media.

“It has really allowed me to unearth all of the cool treasures UD has to offer. It has also challenged me to step out of my comfort zone and attend events that don't necessarily pertain to my life. Going to those kind of events have really shifted my perspective and I love being able to share that with my followers!”

Additionally, SMAs have special access to professional development opportunities, including networking events and training and guidance from some of UD’s communications experts.

“After graduation, I think that being an SMA will help me network for potential jobs that I may try to get,” sophomore nursing major Evan Mullen (@BlueHenEvan) said. “Having a positive, and strong social media presence will help me out, especially in a world where technology plays an integral role in our everyday lives.”

For senior Virginia Cruz-Ayala (@BlueHenVirginia), the most rewarding moment so far as an SMA was when she hosted a Facebook live interview with UD’s Disaster Research Center which resulted in Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg visiting with the UD leaders from the center.

“Thanks to this program I was able to meet our former vice president of the U.S. Joe Biden as well as host two Facebook Live events for the official University of Delaware Facebook page,” she said. “The program is one of the most valuable experiences that I’ve had at UD.”
Required monthly meetings serve as a time for the entire group to convene, get to know one another and discuss emerging social and digital trends. The meetings are held once each month during fall and spring semesters from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesdays.

Spring SMA applications are now being accepted. The deadline to complete the application is Tuesday, Jan. 2. Inquiries can be sent to socialmedia@udel.edu.