The MSU Idea Shop is about bringing concepts to reality – and ultimately into the hands of customers – all in one building. Located in a 2,000 sq.ft. retail store at 114 E. Main Street in Starkville, MS, the facility houses the Turner A. Wingo Maker Studio and the MSU Retail Product Accelerator. The Idea Shop is operated by MSU’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Outreach (MSU CEO) and the School of Human Sciences (SHS). More information is located at http://ideashopmsu.com.
Job DescriptionDesign Build Specialists handle day-to-day duties for the Turner A. Wingo Maker Studio. The duties of the Maker Specialist include assisting with maker studio member growth, tool maintenance, assisting with maker related events, assisting with the growth of the studio’s capabilities and capacity, supervising members and assisting with tool operation, and performing other duties as assigned by university leadership to maximize store profitability and member satisfaction while protecting company assets.
Expectation
This is a broad role with significant responsibility, high expectations, and considerable freedom. Your day-to-day activity will be often somewhat undefined and you must be a self-starter. While assigned to a specific team, you are expected to assist with all aspects of the Idea Shop. Some days that can mean interacting with fun and interesting projects, while other days more mundane duties.
Primary Responsibilities
- Assist members with design and build projects in the maker studio
- Informing customers and potential members about the Idea Shop and it’s role within the University and the Community
- Assist with events/workshops hosted at the Idea Shop
- Assist with graphic design work for the Idea Shop
- Supervise and assist members with usage of all equipment and provide guidance on proper tool usage
- Assist with equipment setup and maintenance and provides input to the leadership team on new tool acquisition opportunities
- Assist with initiatives to drive member growth
- Clean the store, take out trash, dust and mop floors, clean restroom and receiving room, and help set up sidewalk displays
- Actively strive to maintain a safe work environment for all users of the Idea Shop
- Performing other duties as assigned by University Leadership to maximize store profitability and member satisfaction while protecting the interest of the institution
Minimum Qualifications
- Currently enrolled at Mississippi State University.
- Maintains good academic standing with at least a 2.5 GPA
- Must be able to provide multiple examples of completed projects demonstrating abilities
- Effective interpersonal and oral communication skills
- Must be willing to work occasional atypical hours for special events
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, Indesign)
- Interest in learning woodworking tooling and techniques (experience preferred)
- 3D modeling in any of the following: Fusion 360*, Sketchup, Rhino
- 2D drafting in AutoCAD
- Interest in learning about 3D printing and laser engraving
- Pay Range: $10-15/hr
- Benefits: None
- Restrictions: Currently enrolled MSU student in good academic standing.
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
Skills Required
- Currently enrolled at Mississippi State University
- Maintain good academic standing with a minimum 2.5 GPA
- Provide multiple examples of completed projects demonstrating abilities
- Effective interpersonal and oral communication skills
- Willingness to work occasional atypical hours for special events
- Experience with Adobe Creative Suite, including Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign
- Interest in learning woodworking tooling and techniques; experience preferred
- 3D modeling experience with Fusion 360, SketchUp, or Rhino
- 2D drafting experience in AutoCAD
- Interest in learning 3D printing and laser engraving
What We Do
Mississippi State University’s Center for Entrepreneurship & Outreach supports students, faculty, staff, and community entrepreneurs in starting and growing successful companies. It connects founders with alumni, practical business education, and launch resources. Its Idea Shop combines a public maker studio, prototyping equipment, and a retail product accelerator, helping entrepreneurs develop, test, manufacture, and sell products while giving students hands-on business experience.
