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  1. Queen Mary University of London
  2. Queen Mary Alumni
  3. Giving at Queen Mary
  4. Telephone Campaign
  5. Apply to be a Caller

Annual Fund Student Caller

Get paid to talk on the phone and help fellow students!

Apply to be a caller

We’re looking for 20 student callers to work on our 10th telephone campaign this Spring.

You will:

  • be paid £11.28 per hour 
  • gain invaluable careers advice from alumni
  • be expected to attend 3-4 shifts per week, including a weekend shift
  • receive full paid training on Saturday 19th March 

We will not be accepting applications from students without a National Insurance number.

Applications will be accepted from Wednesday 16th February. 

Apply to be a caller

We look forward to you joining the Annual Fund Telephone Campaign! 

Duties of a fundraising caller

  • Call alumni (former students). As far as possible we will match you to people who are interested in the same things as you – maybe what they studied, societies they joined, and other interests
  • Engage them in conversation about Queen Mary University of London
  • Update them on Queen Mary news and events
  • Ask them if they’d like to make a charitable donation
  • Update their contact details and career information
  • Keep an accurate record of the call, and write a thank-you card if they donate 

Job description and person specification

Access the Student Caller Job Description [DOC 27KB]. 

Frequently asked questions

Where do I call from?

The call room is in the Francis Bancroft Building on the Mile End campus. You will work on a computer and use a soft phone to make the calls. 

Why is Queen Mary fundraising in this way?

Universities fundraise in many ways: through events, meeting people, face-to-face, through mailings and online. None of these are able to contact a large number of alumni in a personal manner in the same way that a telethon does.

What is the money raised for?

The Annual Fund supports students with scholarships, bursaries and projects which boost their skills, knowledge and confidence. So far the money has helped provide hardship bursaries for students; improved the student experience and supported clubs and societies. 

It is called the 'Annual Fund' because we ask alumni to make a regular donation, rather than giving only once. Therefore, a lot of small, regular donations from a number of alumni can build up over time and make a real difference.

Why do current students need to be callers?

You are ideally placed to call alumni as you have Queen Mary as a common link. By matching you up to people with the same or similar course as you, we hope you will end up having good conversations about the University past and present. 

What does a standard call achieve?

Our calls aim to build relationships, raise awareness, bring alumni back to the University and seek donations.

Do people receiving the calls know about it? Is it cold calling?

Those being called have been sent a letter or email saying that a current student will be calling them. They are given an outline of the campaign and informed that we are seeking donations for the Annual Fund. They are also given the chance not to receive the call, so the majority of those being phoned will be looking forward to the call.

Do you get a good response?

On average around 30% of people called will donate and the rest still enjoy their conversations.

What skills do I need for the position? What skills will I gain?

We’re looking for friendly, articulate individuals who enjoy talking to new people. You’ll need to have:
  • Self-confidence and the ability to communicate
  • Determination and the ability to negotiate
  • Perseverance
  • Leadership skills to control the conversation

By working on the campaign you will gain useful communication and negotiating skills. You will develop organisational skills and improve your confidence in speaking to, and quickly establishing a rapport with, large numbers of people. You will also be working as a member of a close, supportive team, in a target-focused but fun environment. The experience will be helpful if you are interested in careers in the charity and education sectors, sales or marketing, or any job that requires the presentation of ideas clearly, persuasively and enthusiastically.

We will try our best to ensure that you call alumni who studied the same or very similar subjects to you. This means that you will gain plenty of valuable advice about career fields you may be considering. 

Will I receive training?

Yes. You will not be able to work unless you have attended the fully paid, one-day training session on Saturday 19th March. 

What hours will I work?

The telephone campaign lasts for four weeks running from Saturday 19th March - Sunday 17th April. Calling takes place on weekday evenings from 6.00pm - 9.00pm (Tuesday-Thursday) and from 10.00am - 4.00pm on both Saturdays and Sundays. 
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