Everyone who joins Wattpad eventually stumbles upon certain profiles with mysterious badges next to their usernames and wonders, “Whatever could these mean?” The search then begins and the answers become goals for some aspiring newbie authors on the platform. The coveted star – a mark of a writer who has found massive success. The alluring tick – practically a symbol of legitimacy from the Wattpad gods themselves. The curvy ‘W‘ – someone who works for the organization in an official capacity. Three powerful but faraway signs. Then you see a fourth. The heart – a Wattpad Ambassador.

Now, that one, is not quite so hard to get. All you need are the right answers and the right people at the right time. Intrigued? Good, ’cause you’ve already got a secret fourth: me. I have covered what it is like being a Wattpad Ambassador – what my days are like, what tasks I have, what are the perks, and all the rest of the juicy insider details here – this blog is specifically about Amby Training sessions. Particularly, all the crazy things no one tells you about. Every three or four months, a new cycle begins for the volunteers passionate about all things Wattpad. Veteran ambassadors leave and join alumni status for various reasons predominantly circling around real-life commitments and new blood is required to fill in the ranks.

But like every conquering army, before you join as a full member, there is the initiation. Some sadistic ones like me might even call it a boot camp. It’s all fun and games with ample learning opportunities through work though so don’t be scared. I’ll try to keep this list as spoiler free as I can to keep some room for you to discover the wonders of the Ambassador training program yourself.

Let the games begin

So, what can you expect when you are a green bean newbie? Here’s a sneak peek at the show.

1. Fantasy boot camp

The training is in stages. First a general one, then a bit more specific, and then finally you join one of the five teams available – content, outreach, sentiment, data, and engagement – for a final week or two of practice. Each stage feels like a boot camp in a fantasy novel where you bounce from mentor to mentor, learning new things from ever-so-interesting teachers and your own peers. The whole affair lasts about two months. Gavin, the head of the Ambassadors program, will take you on your very first week. He is the wise, kind one who will be patient and accommodating. The Dumbledore if you will. Every Ambassador then undergoes basic content training under Tiana who is strict, fast, and no-nonsense. Like McGonagall. Your last mentor will be decided on the basis of your team selection but I can guarantee they will be fascinating too and you will gain a ton of experience from them.

2. Challenges and tasks

Almost everyone who applies wonders what kind of tasks will be set for them during the training. The message I received from Gavin when he informed me that I got in had this ominous statement:

“We do expect you to keep up with the training, the tasks set, and the information provided. Not everyone will make it through but if you ask questions, get involved, and make sure you keep up to date with tasks then you’ll be fine.”
Gavin Wilson, @theorangutan

Naturally, my mind slammed into the panic button. What will the tasks be? Will they be difficult? Will I be able to cope? If I make a mistake, will I be thrown out? It was all very imposter syndrome because the tasks were a delight and because I don’t want you to suffer the wait here’s what you should expect – quizzes, reading articles, infographics, presentations, and some online tests.

Note: It is advisable that you use a laptop for Ambassador work because it is easier to access the software, tools, or databases as compared to a phone.

3. Failing is an option

Ambassador training is the most relaxed and accommodating corporate session I’ve ever attended. Seriously, I wish more companies would adopt this model of professional instruction. You can simply do no wrong except give up. If you get a 4/10 on a test, you can retake it as many times as you want till the concepts are clear to you. There is no record system that measures how you’ve performed and there are no overall grades. Only by being unresponsive without informing the heads can you be in trouble. Ask questions, interact, and be present and you shall be golden. Everyone you meet is supportive, nurturing, and wants you to succeed.

I know this gets lost in our competitive, capitalistic world sometimes but let me repeat it: we want you to succeed.

4. Workaround is a blast

It is incredibly easy to accommodate training into your daily life whether you are a full-time professional or student or mother of three. The tasks don’t take up a lot of time and are fun to do. The time requirement of four hours per week minimum is not imposed by anyone. It is a mere yardstick of how much work can be generally expected. So, if the commitment is a reason why you’re hesitating, don’t let it. Anyone from any walk of life can be an ambassador and do it justice.

5. First day in the cafeteria

The random channel on the Ambassador Discord server is my favorite place to be. We affectionately call it the kitchen area because it is also abuzz with lively conversation and harmonious exchanges between everyone in the eight-hundred-strong volunteer program. Whether it is someone being appreciated for good work, someone discussing anime, or it is someone’s birthday, there’s always something to look forward to.

It’s like the first day of school when you stand in the cafeteria with a lunch tray but everyone is nice and wants to sit with you. They also have cookies.

6. Hidden perks

Here I’m going to be a little coy. There are some very lucrative hidden perks that you get for joining the Ambassador program. The somewhat known ones are the swag bag you get upon completing a year of service, behind-the-scenes understanding of Wattpad, and the ability to list the program as official volunteer work on your resume, etc. But there are a few aces up the magician’s sleeve…

You get a premium subscription to Wattpad (goodbye pesky ads!)
As you know the Ambassador program is a volunteer job which means the only remuneration you get is the satisfaction of a job well done. However, some paid opportunities such as translation work, contest judging, etc. do become available to you. They are rare but you can work for these if you wish.

Bah! That’s it, no more! Two is plenty for now. If you want more you’ll have to work a little harder to get it out of me.

7. Real-world certificates

Throughout the training, there are a few certification courses that are mandatory for each ambassador to get. These can be used in the field when you are applying for higher studies or jobs. While learning is fun, certified learning is valuable in other ways too.

8. Pet therapy

There is a section where everyone shares photos and videos of their adorable pets and it is the cutest thing ever! This feature is also modeled after the head office where pets are allowed. If this isn’t heaven, I don’t know what is. I can’t recall the number of times I’ve gone on to that page after a bad day just to find someone gushing about their cat, dog, hamster, or gecko. 10/10 would recommend as a cure for depression.

9. Disagreements are not permanent

I’ve saved the most important for last. There will come a time when you butt heads with people during training. Whether it is your mentor or your peers. I had a few moments that made me feel like I’ve massively disappointed those in charge of me and spoiled our working relationship forever. One of my fellow newbies downright fought with one of the mentors and threw shade so savagely it would’ve honestly been quite impressive in a different situation. But conflict resolution in the Ambassadors group is swift and lasting. We are a family and yes, we do squabble like one too but underlying it all is a deep respect and admiration for everyone involved in making Wattpad a safe and welcoming space for writers and readers alike.

So don’t be afraid to raise your voice, ask questions, and get your hands dirty sometimes. This is a richly rewarding experience that I wish everyone who loves the platform should get to cherish for themselves at least once.

And now that you know just how awesome it is, I hope to see you soon on the Ambassador Discord channel with your shiny orange heart on your sleeve. I speak for all of us when I say that we would love for you to be a part of our family. Refer to the gif below for one final quirky tidbit. If you have any other questions feel free to leave them in the comments below or DM me on Wattpad – @gauravaaditya. I have a guide on how to apply for the Ambassador program along with some tips and tricks which you can find here.

Resources

Wattpad Ambassador Program Profile Guide – Frequently asked questions page.
Funny frog sticker from Rawpixel.
Jewelry Designs in Gold, Diamonds and Other Precious Stones, Plate 7 from ‘L’Art de la Bijouterie’ from Rawpixel.
Wattpad Ambassador badge (white heart on orange background).
Wattpad HQ (Canada) – Kitchen area.
Michaels, Lorne. “Mean Girls”. Hollywood, California: Paramount; 2004 – cafeteria scene gif from Tenor.