What is the MMC Digital Lab?

The MMC Digital Lab is the Research(RDT) and Creative(CDT) development team for the Media, Marketing, and Communications Scholars program. Students working in the Digital Lab do not need to be in the MMC Scholars program, however a strong willingness to learn is required!

What do they do?

The MMC Digital Lab helps push the long term initiatives and goals of the MMC Scholars forward while also offering short term graphic and video promotional services for The Honors and Scholars Center.

How does it all work?

When a student starts in the Digital Lab (DL), most of their time will be spent learning software or programming languages like the Adobe Creative Suite, Unreal Engine 4 or Swift. As their skill level improves, students are given small practice tasks to demonstrate their ability. After completing these tasks, students are invited to work on the current “frontline” projects for both MMC and the Honors and Scholars Center.

How many hours a week?

The MMC Digital Lab is a federal work-study position, so your work schedule can be incredibly flexible with your class schedule. Most students average between 5-10hrs/wk. If a student averages at least 6 hrs/wk each year, they will be promoted and receive a $1 raise every year. By working in the MMC Digital Lab, you will be able to flexibly work, learn, and have fun all while being a full-time college student at The Ohio State University. 

What are some examples of what DL students work on?

We have two DL teams in the office:

Creative Development Team

Research Development Team

Video

Graphics  

Data 

Virtual Reality 

Web Development

Setting up a Video ShootThe Video team uses the Adobe Creative Cloud suite, such as Premiere Pro, Audition, and After Effects to create visual content for both the MMC Scholars program and for the Honors & Scholars Center. In the Video department, you will have the opportunity to work hands-on with professional video equipment and gain practical video production experience.

Graphics Team working on Morrill TowerThe Graphics team also uses the Adobe Creative Cloud suite, such as InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop to create graphics for both the MMC Scholars program and for the Honors & Scholars center. In the first semester on the Graphics team, most students will spend their work hours learning the Adobe creative suite.

 

The Data team learns Tableau as well as Microsoft Excel and Access to do surveys and support ongoing research in MMC and the whole Honors and Scholars Center at Ohio State.

The Virtual Reality team uses Unreal Engine 4 to model and code virtual environments. In the VR department, you will learn how to create interactive VR games for the Digital Lab, code C++ in Visual Studio, and 3D model and texture using software like Blender and GIMP.

The Web Development team learns to use Javascript and other scripting languages to build MMC websites and also support the websites of the OSU Honors and Scholars programs.

And students learn these skills right in the office?

Yes! We have a plan for every student once they start. As their skills start to progress, they will be allowed to work on real projects under supervision of older students in the DL.

Would there be opportunities for a student to work in more than one area?

Yes, but each student should focus on one area until there is an opportunity for branching out.

Is there experience expected for this position?

No prior experience is necessary! Just bring a good attitude and an interest to your craft! 

Non-negotiables

  1. You must have a Federal Work Study award. If you use your entire award before the end of the year(not common) you must stop working.
  2. You must be a hard working student who wants to learn! Students in these positions are constantly learning and improving their skills.
  3. Students must average 6 hours a week in order for them to progress to the point where they can help in the office.
  4. Students must read all of my emails and contact me in advance if they will miss a shift.