By LAKYNDRA LARKIN/ Inspired Minds Editor-in-Chief
Applications to be a lab tech for the Department of Mass Communication at UT Tyler are open for the fall 2023 semester. Lab techs are student workers who assist other mass communication students, their professors and watch over the studio where classes are held.
Noah Tew, a senior who graduates this spring, has been a lab tech since the spring 2022 semester. He said a lot has changed from when he first started as a lab tech.
“When I started, things were a lot more serious [and] students were not willing to come to talk. [The lab tech] was just a person who sat there, gave camera test and checked out equipment,” Tew said. “Now the lab techs are more involved in the classroom, and they have a more active role regarding students.”
DIFFERENT TASKS
A lab tech’s tasks depended on whether one opened the lab in the morning, came in mid-day or closed the lab at night.
Tew said the one opens the lab ensures it is prepped and ready for lectures. If a lab tech comes in mid-day, they make sure everything is in order, and when the studio closes, they ensure everything is clean and ready for the next day.
“And if anyone needs help [after classes], the lab techs just made sure they are being assisted with what [the student] needs,” Tew said.
Hannah Garcia is a student in the mass communication program. She said she enjoyed having lab techs as assistants because it helped her throughout her classes.
“When I had to take camera test or even when I had to do certain audio, video assignments and I didn’t know what to do, I could just come [to the lab techs] and ask for help, and they’d help me,” Garcia said. “And the lab techs for this spring and last fall semester have been more involved, making the program so much more enjoyable.”
Joseph Maldonado is another lab tech. He said what students should do be doing if they plan to apply to be a lab tech for the fall 2023 semester.
“Be active in your classes that use the equipment here in the studio,” Maldonado said. “[Professor] Anita Brown and other [mass communication] professors are always looking for students who treat the equipment care and have a passion for the field.”
LAB HOURS
Maldonado said those should come by the studio, check out the equipment and see what the studio offers. The lab is open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday,
Students looking for a work-study or want experience working with studio equipment can talk to Professor Brown or check out the link on app.joinhandshake.com.
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