Sussex Digital Media Creators

Find out about the University of Sussex’s Digital Media Creators.

About our Creators

Our Digital Media Creators are current students with an eye for engaging online content. They work with our Social Media and Student Communications teams to create content around community and research for the University’s social media channels, focusing primarily on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, and for student communications like Experience Sussex! magazine.

Creators often have the opportunity to get involved in some of our biggest moments, covering campus and University events such as Graduation or One World Week, as well as local events across Brighton & Hove like Brighton Pride or Brighton Festival. You can often spot them filming around campus, or featuring in our TikTok, Reels or YouTube content. You can see some examples of the content they produce below.

We regularly recruit for new Digital Media Creators, so keep an eye out on our social media channels if you're interested in joining the scheme.

Become a Digital Media Creator

Do you love creating digital content? Do you live on social media? Apply to become a Digital Media Creator!

Why apply to become a Digital Media Creator?

If you're interested in developing your creative media and video content skills, you can apply to become one of our Digital Media Creators.

It's a casual, paid role with flexible hours, so you can earn extra money while you study. We ask for a commitment of around six hours per month, alongside regular check-ins with staff and your fellow creators.

You'll work closely with the Communications department and have opportunities to collaborate with colleagues and students from across the University. We'll provide training and support to identify what you'd like to get out of the scheme. Plus, you'll have opportunities to pitch creative ideas to us and tell us what you'd like to see online, or in student communications.

Since starting the scheme in 2017, many of our Digital Media Creators (formerly Digital Media Gurus) have gone on to work in social and digital media after graduating. You’ll gain transferable skills which are applicable throughout the creative industries and beyond.

How to apply

To show us your passion and flair for social and digital media, we want you to get creative. You'll need to send a video application and a short cover email as detailed below:

Video

In video form, please tell us why you would like to become a Digital Media Creator for the University.

You need to feature yourself at some point during the video, which should be a maximum of one minute long.

You should have in mind the social media channels you are creating content for. This might mean shooting a vertical video for Instagram or TikTok, or creating a YouTube-style vlog. Pick whichever you feel most comfortable or excited about, remembering that this is an opportunity to show off your skills, whether that's filming, editing or presenting (or all of them!)

Video submissions should be made via WeTransfer to socialmedia@sussex.ac.uk and must be named in the format: [surname],[firstname].

Cover email

You will also need to send a covering email to Stephanie at socialmedia@sussex.ac.uk with:

• your name, course and year of study
• an answer to the question: What one piece of student content would you love to work on for the University and why? (up to 100 words)
• let us know which group interview slot/s you can attend (you will only be invited to one, but please indicate all you are available for):
  • Tuesday 15 October, 12-2.30pm
  • Wednesday 16 October, 5-7.30pm

Applications will close at 11.59pm on Sunday 6 October 2024.

Once we've reviewed all applications, we'll get back to you to let you know if you've been successful in making it through to the final stage of the application. This will be a group interview on campus on either Tuesday 15 or Wednesday 16 October, where you will be given a brief and asked to work in small teams to create a short video.

Who we're looking for

We're looking for candidates who are eager to share their student journey online, who like to try new things and experiment with new content formats. Don't worry if you don't have previous experience in a similar role we're happy to help you develop your content production or presenting skills if you've got the ideas and creativity.

We're also happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments which you may require, at any stage of the recruitment and selection process.

To apply, you will need to be a University of Sussex student with either UK residency or a current Tier 4 visa.

If you're successful

If your application is successful, we'll let you know after the group workshop stage. You'll be invited to an induction and training session with the other new Creators. This is a chance for you to meet staff and your new colleagues, learn about the Digital Media Creator scheme and cover expectations and guidance about the role.

Your hours are flexible, with an expected commitment of at least six hours per month for planning, creating and editing content and attending in-person or online training sessions. You will meet regularly with members of staff and the other Creators to discuss ideas for upcoming projects and to assign work.

Content by our creators

• Video transcript

  Hi, I'm Rebecca and I'm one of the Digital Media Gurus.

  Today we're going to be asking students what their top tips are for looking after their wellbeing.

  Student 1: My top tip would be getting enough sleep.

  Student 2: Know your limits. Push yourself as hard as you can, but then reward yourself for the amount of work you've done.

  Student 3: I'd definitely say getting up early, staying active and being social.

  Student 4: I like to make a checklist so I can keep organised.

  Student 5: Put aside a day just to rest so you're recharged for the week.

  Student 6: Always remember that everything feels better once you're outside. We've got all this countryside here so when everything's overwhelming, run away to the woods. That's my strategy.

  Student 7: I think it's important to know when to take a step back and to take a break, get some snacks, have a nap. So when you go back to work, you can be more effective.

  Student 8: I would say eating well and enjoying your food. Whether it's five minutes in your library breaks, make sure you get something you enjoy and eat it.

• Video transcript

  Students receiving a piece of paper advising them to hold the free hugs sign for 3 minutes.

  "She hugged me and said 'thank you, this has made my day'"

  A student in a purple jumper receives a piece of paper advising them to high five 3 strangers.

  Another student has to call a friend and thank them for doing something nice.

  Student: "I just want to call you to say, like, you're a good friend and you've helped me a lot. Thank you."