Varsity has been the home of Cambridge’s most talented and most creative students for a long time – 70 years, in fact – and now we are looking to expand our team. This term, we have introduced several exciting new roles, and we need committed individuals to fill them. Innovation and enthusiasm are a must, but no experience necessary!

We are looking for:

• Columnists to write entertaining and engaging series for any section

• Reporters to cover news, sport, or lighthearted stories for Violet

• Video journalists to be involved in Varsity’s most exciting up-and-coming team, producing a wide range of creative video content. We’re looking for presenters, producers, and videographers.

• Web developer to work on the website’s front-end and get involved with data visualisation projects

• Deputy Theatre Editor to assist the Senior Editor with what looks to be an incredibly exciting term of theatre.

• Deputy Violet Editor to assist the Senior Editor to craft Varsity's quirkiest section.

Applications should be sent to applications@varsity.co.uk, by 5pm, Monday 18th December.

 

Columnists

What we really want is to hear from you. If you’d like to write a column for Varsity, pitch it to us. This could be on any topic, for any section – we want you to be creative.

We’ve had all kinds of columns in the past – from documenting Cambridge life from the perspective of a woman of colour, to musings on the nature of language across cultures – the key thing is that the personality of the writer shines through.

To apply: send a pitch (no more than 200 words), a sample column (900 words), plus ideas for 4 further columns.

 

Reporters

Senior News Correspondent

A great way to get stuck straight in with the busy News section, this role involves attending weekly news meetings, as well as keeping your eyes peeled throughout the week for emerging stories. You will learn how to write a news report, send requests for comment and fact-check information, and your stories can appear on the Varsity website, in the printed edition, or even make it to the national papers. You’ll need to be curious (read: a good gossip) and able to stick to deadlines.

To apply: Explain why you want to be involved in the News team and what relevant experience you have (no more than 300 words), and provide a critique this piece (no more than 300 words).

Violet News Correspondent

Perhaps one of Varsity’s most joyful jobs. Violet News Correspondents cover the whimsical goings-on in Cambridge. From Sidney Sussex JCR giving their Bursar a crate of VKs as a leaving present, to Peacocks on the run at Fitzwilliam, this is a job that won’t be lacking in novelty. The role involves keeping your ear to the ground on social media so that you can be the first on the scene next time Emma Thompson goes out on the town. You’ll need to be able to respond quickly to a story, and write quicker.

To apply: Explain why you want to be involved in the Violet team and what relevant experience you have (no more than 300 words), and write your own Violet news piece on a topic of your choice (no more than 300 words).

Sports Reporter

Sports reporters attend matches and write up reports. A willingness to embrace all kinds of sport is needed, as well as strong writing skills which enable you to deliver entertaining and informative commentary on matches. 

To apply: Explain why you want to be involved in the news team and what relevant experience you have (no more than 300 words), and provide a critique of a piece of your choice from the Sports section (no more than 300 words). Please mention if you have any experience with photography, though this is by no means essential. 

 

Video Journalists

Feel free to apply for more than one video role if you feel you have the skills necessary.

Videographers

This is a shooting and editing role, so if you fancy yourself as the next big thing in documentary film making, or just like the idea of making cute, minute-long Facebook videos, this is the role for you. You need to be capable of, and have the software for, editing your own videos.

To apply: Please explain why you want to make video and what relevant experience you have (300 words). If you’ve made video before, please link to a portfolio or example – this is not compulsory.

Presenters

This term, as well as top-notch videographers, we’re looking for on-screen talent. People with confidence, flair, and charisma, to be involved with all kinds of content.

To apply: Please explain why you want to be a presenter and what relevant experience you have (300 words), as well as three ideas for video content.

Producers

We’re also looking for producers who can take something from concept to realisation. Someone with great ideas for series and one-off content, with the people skills to actually pull it off. This job will involve working with videographers and presenters, and organising whatever needs to be organised; locations for video fashion shoot, food for Tastemade-esque series, or an interview with a high profile figure.

To apply: Please explain why you want to be a producer and what relevant experience you have (300 words), as well as three ideas for video content (series or one-off).

 

Web Developers

You might have noticed some new elements in our online content recently. We’re trying to raise the bar, and we’re looking for the best and brightest Cantabrigian coders to take our front-end material to the next level. Proficiency in HTML and CSS are a necessity. Experience in Adobe Suite software and D3.js would also be valued.

● Outline your experience of the following: HTML, CSS, D3, JavaScript, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Muse, Adobe InDesign.
● Write a critique of Varsity’s online production value and outline what front-end changes you would look to make. 500 words maximum.

 

Deputy Theatre Editor

The Deputy Theatre Editor shares some of the role of Senior Theatre Editor, editing copy of reviewers, previewers, and general opinion pieces, as well as helping develop commission ideas. 

To apply: Provide a critique and vision statement for the Theatre section (no more than 400 words), and explain what relevant knowledge and experience you have for this role (300 words).

Deputy Violet Editor

The Deputy Violet Editor shares some of the role of Senior Violet Editor, but will take on more of the columnist workload, interacting with these regular contributors and ensuring that they make their deadlines

To apply: Provide a critique and vision statement for Violet (no more than 400 words), as well as three ideas for content for the section.

If you have any questions about any of these roles, or the application process, email editor@varsity.co.uk or contact us on Facebook.