Rob worked as a programming in the web communications department a year and a half ago and contributed to the core set of services we use on a daily basis. The content management system, events calendar and PHPSimpl framework just to name a few.

We choose Rob because he has a crazy attention to detail and can think on real implementation terms. Finding solutions that not only fix issues but are also flexible for future changes. He started yesterday as a full time web developer and his first project will be the launch of the overhauled events calendar.

I am sure you will hear from Rob soon. I just gave him access to this blog and like all other web communications staff is  free to post at any time.

Jake will be helping us with managing web content and social media. It is also a great opportunity for him to shadow each of us as we work. Since our department acts as a mini agency within the university he will be able to see what it is like to run and work at a business.

He is interested in going to college for pre-law and eventually running his own business. I am sure you will be hearing from him soon.

Over the past year or so the growth of new projects has been great. Groups have been transitioning their print content to the web, not only saving money but to reach a larger audience. We have been pumping out sites with greater functionality than ever. With that greater functionality comes the need for more brains and hands on deck.

Almost everyone in the web communications department has started out as a student assistant and worked their way up. Even myself started as a student, I was eager, ambitious and anxious to learn something new. I like to think we mold minds, we give opportunities to grow and we take pride in what we do.

You may not see Chris’ work but that is the point, no one ever complained about web pages loading too fast, a rock solid API or a CMS that was expandable and adaptable. He may be writing here soon with updates on his work, subscribe to our feed to get notified.

Joy has worked at Web agencies and freelance for the last few years. You can check out her portfolio at her site: http://www.joyreed.com/

Her first task was a featured event button for wayne.edu, she succeeded by creating the button below:

This is just the beginning of our adventure. Joy will be assisting our current Web designer Rolaine Llanes with all our web needs. We take on all types of projects from full blown web sites, promotion items, html emails, interactive flash and even some print pieces since we are so integrated with the publications department. Joy could not have started at a better time, our queue of sites is longer than ever and we are taking on four very large sites, Division of Research, College of Education, School of Business and the Law School.

I have a feeling you will be hearing more about Joy as she shares her knowledge and expertise with our department and Wayne State. Check back soon for updates on those sites and all of our projects.

Preferred qualifications:

• Solid understanding of working with-and designing for-web applications.
• Able to prototype in Photoshop and other dynamic prototyping tools.
• Experience working on large-scale higher eduction websites.
• BA/BS or above in Graphic Design, Information Design, or other visual arts; strong technical background a plus.
• Minimum of 3+ years experience designing web-based products for a consumer-oriented website.
• Ability to act as a leader in communicating conceptual ideas and design rationales, all within a user-centered design process.
• Able to work and communicate effectively in a cross-functional product development team, and present ideas and designs effectively.
• Self-motivated to prioritize and manage work load, and meet critical project milestones and deadlines.
• An effective problem solver who comes up with creative solutions and considers many alternative solutions to each problem.
• Fluent in HTML/CSS, or full knowledge of associated capabilities/limitations.
• Know or have an understanding of Flash/Actionscript and its capabilities/limitations.

How to apply and full job description:

http://jobs.wayne.edu/ – Search for posting #035628

This summer we are accepting an intern from the camp. Our summer intern, Orlando Collins, a senior at Inkster High School started today. He likes computers and business, our department offers both.

We have had the long tradition of teaching and mentoring. Quite a bit of our full time staff started out as students or entry level. I have a feeling you will be hearing more about Orlando in the coming months.

He will essentially be our front end developer and creating html from mockups provided by the design team. Further optimizing our sites and increasing the use of microformats and accessibility.

Look forward to articles regarding frontend optimization, CSS and javascript. Again, welcome to the team Shaun.