The Workshop Student Assistant
Application process:
Detailed instructions on how to apply are provided at the end of the position description. Our application requires additional steps beyond submitting on Handshake. Please note that our applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so earlier applicants do get priority, and it is possible that we fill our positions before the end of the open hiring period.
- Application Deadline: March 15, 2026 @ 11:59pm EST
- Interviews will take place late March through early April
- Decisions will be made before the end of the semester.
- A required online orientation will take place in May
- A required in-person orientation will take place on Saturday, August 15
Description
The Creative Technologies & Scholarship Department at Virginia Commonwealth University Libraries seeks student assistants to support technology-based creative projects in a variety of disciplines, including digital media, fabrication, and interactive design. Common responsibilities include checking out equipment, assisting users at the front desk, and maintaining the space. Student assistants also provide technical support and instruction, including training on studio and makerspace equipment and troubleshooting various software and hardware.
This role is ideal for students with experience in digital design, media production, fabrication, interactive technologies, or data visualization who enjoy problem-solving, collaborating, and helping others learn new tools.
The Workshop, located on the lower level of the James Branch Cabell Library, serves the entire VCU community. A reasonable weekly schedule will be determined between the supervisor and employee, not to exceed 20 hours per week, Sunday to Friday during normal working hours. Our typical hours of operation are:
- Sunday: 12:00pm - 10:00pm
- Monday-Thursday: 10:00am-10:00pm
- Friday: 10:00am-5:00pm
- Saturday: Closed
- Note: During Summer, Winter, and Spring breaks, our operating hours become Sunday - Friday from 1:00pm - 5:00pm.
Qualifications
Technical Expertise
Must have core competencies in at least one of the following areas:
- Graphics: Graphic Design, Digital Illustration, Animation
- Media Production: Photography, Film/Video, Audio Field Recording, Audio/Video editing software
- Music Production: Studio recording, Virtual/Digital instruments, Live Performance, Digital Audio Workflow software
- 3D Design: Modeling, Rigging, Fabrication
- Textiles: Sewing, Embroidery, Wearable Technologies
- Interactive & Immersive Media: VR/AR/MR, Video Game Development, Creative Coding
- Data Visualization & Web Applications: GIS, Web Applications, Information Visualization, Data Graphics
Communication Skills
- Customer Service: Greet visitors, answer questions, and make sure everyone feels welcome in the space.
- Technical Troubleshooting: Assist users with equipment and software issues, helping them problem-solve when things don’t work as expected.
- Instructional Support: Show people how to use various technologies, whether it’s through one-on-one assistance or leading training orientations for specific studios and makerspace equipment.
Hardware Knowledge
Must have practical experience with at least one of the following types of equipment. Practical experience would include basic familiarity gained through appropriate coursework, personal projects, or other professional experiences.
- Audiovisual Equipment: DSLR/DSLM cameras, tripods, lighting setups, microphones, audio interfaces.
- Fabrication Tools: 3D printers, laser cutters, vinyl cutters, sewing machines, embroidery machines, serger machines.
- Interactive & Emerging Technologies: VR headsets (Meta Quest, HTC Vive, etc.), motion capture systems, 3D scanners, microcontrollers (Arduino, Raspberry Pi).
Software Knowledge
All applicants are expected to have practical experience with the Adobe Suite or equivalent alternative tools. Practical experience would include basic familiarity gained through appropriate coursework, personal projects, or other professional experiences.
Preferred Qualifications
Include having practical experience with more than one of the following specific applications.
- Media Production: Adobe Premiere Pro, Adobe After Effects, Adobe Audition, Adobe Animate, DaVinci Resolve, Final Cut Pro, Avid Media Composer, ToonBoom, DragonFrame, etc.
- Music Production: Ableton Live, FL Studio, Logic Pro, Avid Pro Tools, Reaper, GarageBand, Audacity
- 3D Design & Fabrication: Blender, Autodesk Fusion 360, SolidWorks, SketchUp, ZBrush, Cura, PreForm, Clo3D
- Interactive & Immersive Media: Unity, Unreal Engine, Godot, Processing/p5.js, TouchDesigner, Arduino
- Data Visualization & Web Applications: ArcGIS, QGIS, Tableau, HTML/CSS, JavaScript
- Special Note: For applicants whose skillset focuses on Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and/or InDesign, we require intermediate-to-advanced proficiency.
How to Apply
In addition to submitting your application on Handshake, The Workshop requires additional information to be sent via this Supplemental Materials Form. Without this step, your application will not be considered.
The supplemental materials and questions include:
- Your résumé
- Your expected class schedule for the upcoming semester (attached as a PDF or image file or submitted as text). It is okay for this to be your best guess, as we understand registration does not finish until later in the semester.
- The contact information of at least two references
- If you expect to receive a Federal Work Study award or not.
- If you are available in the fall semester only or interested in potential summer hours.
If you have any questions about this application, please do not hesitate to email Oscar Keyes at keyesok@vcu.edu.
Next steps
- First-round successful applicants will be notified via email and asked for a Zoom interview.
- If the applicant has a successful interview, then they will be notified via Handshake and email that they have received the position.
- Unsuccessful applicants will receive notification via Handshake.