Check what happens when you apply for a Connector role and see our do-and-don't tips.
Applying for co-creation Roles
Paid co-creation project roles may be advertised at any point during the year, through CareerHub. You can also follow us on Instagram for updates.
A wide variety of projects take place. Each advert will have its own job description, outlining the length of the project and what it involves. Projects range from a couple of weeks to a full academic year, and are usually a few hours a week, paid at £12.19 per hour.
The majority of paid co-creation projects are funded by, and support the delivery of, the University's Access and Participation Plan (APP). This focuses on improving equity of access and success for undergraduate home-domiciled (UK) students currently underrepresented in higher education. We prioritise appointing students who identify with our APP criteria for these projects.
How to apply
There are two stages to apply for paid co-creation roles: the written application and a selection activity/interview.
Written application
Paid co-creation roles are advertised on CareerHub, with a link to an application form and a deadline to apply.
The application form will ask you to reflect on your motivation for applying for the project, how you demonstrate the Sussex values of Kindness, Integrity, Inclusion, Collaboration, and Courage, and key skills such as communication, teamwork, and good time-management.
After the closing date, staff running the project will review and score all applications fairly using set criteria. They'll invite shortlisted students for an interview or selection activity. You'll receive an email from us with the outcome of your application.
For the best chance of being invited to an interview, refer to the Careers team’s guidance on job applications, or look out for relevant careers skills workshops.
Interview process
If your written application is successful, you'll be invited to an interview or selection activity.
This will have two parts: a task and some interview questions, and you'll receive information at least a week before the interview. In most cases, 2 members of staff will meet you – this helps ensure that the scoring is as fair as possible.
Help and advice
It’s normal to be nervous when applying for jobs, but staff will do everything they can to support you to show your skills and ideas to the best of your ability.
Find out more information on how to apply for a job and get advice on applications and interviews.
The application and interview questions are carefully designed to be completed successfully by students based on their experiences at university - previous employment experience is not required or expected, and we want to involve students with diverse experiences in our projects.
What we're looking for is your ability to reflect and respond thoughtfully to the question asked, demonstrating your ideas about how to make positive change at the university, and skills like clear communication.
If you need any reasonable adjustments due to a disability or neurodivergence, we will accommodate requests wherever possible. Adjustments can include voice-recording your answers instead of writing them, being interviewed remotely or rephrasing a question to make it easier to understand.
Email connectorprogramme@sussex.ac.uk to ask for reasonable adjustments when applying. You can also reach out to the Careers and Employability team for further advice.
If you're successful
If you’re chosen for a paid co-creation role, you'll:
- be employed through an employment agency, Reed, on a casual contract
- need to provide legal proof that you can work in the UK – typically your passport or similar identification
- take part in paid induction training to learn more about your specific project and how to work in a co-creation team.
If you’re unsuccessful
Not everyone applying for jobs can be successful.
We know this can be disappointing: we encourage you to apply for paid roles again, as you'll have learned and developed new skills and be in a better position to apply. It’s always a good idea to ask for feedback to help you reflect and develop.