Your Role as an Ambassador

IBM Z Student Ambassadors

IBM Z Student Ambassadors are highly recognized leaders on College campuses. They are called upon when opportunities arise such as attending industry events, or meeting IBM Z corporate clients visiting a campus, or teaching mainframe technology to peers. How far you take this role is up to you. Many Ambassadors have utilized all the benefits and resources available to build a name for themselves in mainframe landing exclusive internships or corporate jobs, initiating new programs or clubs on campus, earning high-in-demand tech badges, cultivating a valuable network on Linkedin, and more.

The Your Big Year team is here to help you take these important steps. We’ll make sure you gain the skills and have access to the tools and materials needed. We’ll also make it fun and support your work along the way!

As discussed in both your interview and onboarding, here is your checklist for the year:

Ambassador Tiers

The IBM Z Student Ambassador program has four tiers: Novice, Enthusiast, Ace, and Superstar. These are based on your activity throughout the year-long program. Ambassadors are required to maintain an ‘Active’ status, earning at least 12 points per semester and attending 1x leadership training per month. As you can see below there are many more benefits to unlock if you continue to grow your skills and earn points. The Your Big Year team is standing by to help you with any questions, support, tools, and materials needed.

 

Start by sending us a Whatsapp text with any question!

 
 

How do I earn points, rewards, badges and more?

We make it easy for you to earn points each week through our Weekly Action notification. Keep an eye on the YBY Platform and your text messages for these opportunities!

Remember: Ambassadors are required to maintain an ‘Active’ status in the program, earning at least 12+ points a semester and attending at least 1x leadership training a month. So gain new skills, new contacts, new opportunities and get known as the IBM Z Ambassador on your campus and in the mainframe community - not much downside there!!

 
IBM Z Student Ambassador program point system
 
 

  • Ambassadors are required to maintain an ‘Active’ status, earning at least 12 points per semester and attending at least 1x leadership
    session a month.     (This does not include regional networking sessions.)

    • The table shown above on this page outlines the points structure.

    • The Year Big Year team will send you weekly actions via the Ambassador hub (and Email, Discord, and WhatsApp group) to help you easily earn the points required while learning new skills!

    • The weekly leadership training session will provide you with 4x opportunities per month to fulfil your attendance requirement. Check the schedule These sessions are designed to support your ambassador role eg providing event ideas, club content, building your personal brand and leadership skills.

    Can't attend the live sessions? If you are unable to attend the weekly leadership sessions live, recordings are available to help you stay on track.
    - In order to maintain active status, if you can’t attend a live session one month, you can watch the recorded sessions and submit a blog on LinkedIn or Medium following the blog guidelines noted below.

  • Below is a framework on how you can create an impactful blog post.

    Introduction:

    • Start the post/blog with an interesting statement or question that relates to the topic of the session.

    • Give a quick summary of the session, including the main theme or key takeaways.

    • Ambassadors should not only tell facts but describe why they found those points meaningful.

    Must Include:

    • 3 take-aways from the session.

    • How the session helped you in your ambassador role.

    • A shared resource from the session (if applicable).

    Personal Reflection:

    • Share your own personal thoughts, experience or questions, which has arisen from the session.

    • Share your experience or knowledge on this topic from your own point of view.

    Pro Tips:

    • Keep your blog post of optimal length, easy to read and digest.

    • Add images, infographics, or videos to enhance the value of your content.

    • Of course, don't forget to tag those who attended the event or support IBM Z.

    • Ask your network to share their experiences in the comments.

    • Regularly post: at least 1 post per week, preferred: Tuesdays and Thursdays.

  • We get it, college and life get busy. What we don't know about, we can't help you with. So be in touch with the team - quick text message responses are easy.

  • Always remember that you are representing IBM and Your Big Year in your participation in this program. Try your best to keep things professional, and show up to events, workshops, and fulfill your responsibilities to the best of your ability. Being respectful towards your fellow IBM Z Student Ambassadors, the IBM-ers and Your Big Year leadership team will be expected, and will be reciprocated! This includes being responsive to emails, texts, messages and other notifications from the YBY team and the IBM Z Team.

  • Everyone in this program is different: whether their country, age, background, life stage, work, school. This community is about learning and growing. Discuss, debate, co-create, but do not discriminate. We will constantly be monitoring the platform and ensuring that it is a safe place for everyone to come and grow. We expect that everything you do is done with high quality, high integrity and approached with an open mindset.   

  • Everyone leads such busy lives these days, that sometimes mental health and well-being can take a backseat. As you are juggling school, work, extracurricular activities and the IBM Z Student Ambassador program, remember to take care of yourself and prioritize your wellness. Self-care should always be a priority, and whatever that looks like to you, remember to carve out quality time for that. 

    If during the duration of the program you are struggling with your mental health, please reach out to zoe@yourbigyear.com for support and resources.

  • Terms & Conditions including the Media Release Form. These were agreed to when you submitted your application.

    The Non-Disclosure Agreement and Code and Conduct is signed and stored on the Ambassador Hub.

 
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