Handmade ; First- Position) College of Art

The Handmade Montserrat Employee is a first-year student employment opportunity designed to introduce students to the work of a department, the responsibilities of a student employee, and the professional expectations of working at Montserrat College of Art.

Working alongside an experienced Student Manager, their supervisor, or other experienced employee for approximately two hours per week, the Student Shadow will observe how the department operates, learn about the types of work performed by student employees, and participate in appropriate hands-on tasks. The student employee will create and market objects that will be for sale by Handmade Montserrat, specifically working in fiber (weaving, knitting, etc) and other materials.

• Create high-quality handmade objects for sale under Handmade Montserrat, specifically working with the knitting machines and looms
• Observe and learn about the day-to-day operations of the department.
• Participate in appropriate department tasks under the guidance of the department.
• Learn how student employees contribute to the department’s goals and services.
• Ask questions and engage in conversations about the work, responsibilities, and skills required in the department.
• Observe how the other Student Employees communicate with students, faculty, staff, and other student employees.
• Learn what dependability, punctuality, initiative, and accountability look like in a professional setting.
• Assist with appropriate projects, tasks, or activities as assigned.
• Learn how to use department-specific equipment, tools, software, or procedures when appropriate and with proper supervision.
• Learn about workplace expectations, including communication, teamwork, professionalism, and respect for shared spaces and resources.
• Reflect on what they are learning and how the experience connects to their own interests, skills, and future opportunities at Montserrat.

• Creation of high quality handmade objects, with the ability to articulate why quality is important, how branding is significant, and how to market and sell such objects
• Recognize examples of professionalism in a college workplace, including punctuality, dependability, communication, initiative, and accountability.
• Develop a stronger understanding of how student employees contribute to a department and the larger college community.
• Practice workplace communication by asking questions, receiving feedback, and interacting appropriately with others.
• Develop an understanding of how classroom learning and creative skills can connect to workplace experiences.

Handmade Montserrat Employees may be expected to sit, stand, walk, use computers or specialized equipment, handle materials, or participate in department activities for extended periods. Students will work with looms and knitting machines, needing manual dexterity

Any specialized equipment, tools, or potentially hazardous activities will require appropriate instruction and supervision. Students are expected to follow all department safety procedures and use equipment only as instructed and authorized.

Emma Oliver (emma.oliver)