Part-time Student Trainee (3D Model & Graphic Designer) (N&HS)
π Job Overview
Job Title: Part-time Student Trainee (3D Model & Graphic Designer) (N&HS) Company: Hong Kong Metropolitan University Location: Hong Kong, China Job Type: Part-time, Temporary Category: Creative / Design Operations Date Posted: August 29, 2025 Experience Level: Entry-level (0-2 years) Remote Status: On-site
π Role Summary
- This part-time student trainee role is focused on supporting the School of Nursing and Health Sciences (N&HS) with its Virtual Reality (VR) laboratory operations.
- The position involves creative design tasks, specifically the creation of 3D models, textures, and multimedia materials to enhance research and teaching activities.
- It offers an opportunity for students to gain practical experience in a university setting, contributing to innovative teaching and learning initiatives.
- The role requires a blend of technical design skills and the ability to work independently within a dynamic academic environment.
π Enhancement Note: While this role is not a traditional "operations" role in the sense of revenue or sales operations, it requires operational support for a specialized lab (VR laboratory) and involves creative asset production, which can be viewed as a form of content operations or digital asset operations within an academic context. The emphasis on assisting daily operations and creating materials aligns with operational support functions.
π Primary Responsibilities
- Assist in the daily operational tasks of the N&HS VR laboratory, ensuring smooth functioning for research and teaching activities.
- Design and create high-quality 3D models and textures for use in VR simulations and other educational applications.
- Develop and produce engaging multimedia materials to support curriculum and research projects.
- Collaborate with faculty and researchers to understand design requirements and project objectives.
- Maintain and organize digital assets, ensuring they are properly formatted and stored for easy access.
- Support the implementation and testing of VR content within the laboratory environment.
π Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are focused on creative production and lab support, fitting within a broader "academic operations" or "research support operations" framework, rather than typical business operations. The key is the operational assistance to the VR lab's functions.
π Skills & Qualifications
Education:
- Currently enrolled in a Bachelor of Fine Arts with Honours in Animation and Visual Effects, or a closely related program.
- Pursuing a degree that provides a strong foundation in visual design, digital art, and potentially interactive media.
Experience:
- Demonstrated experience in 3D modeling design, with a portfolio showcasing relevant projects.
- Familiarity with industry-standard 3D modeling software is essential for this role.
- Experience with graphic design software and multimedia creation tools is highly beneficial.
Required Skills:
- Proficiency in 3D modeling software such as Maya or Blender.
- Strong understanding of 3D asset creation pipelines, including modeling and texturing.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, demonstrating self-motivation and time management.
- Excellent visual design and artistic skills, with a keen eye for detail.
- Good communication skills to understand project needs and present design concepts.
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with game engines like Unity for interactive content development.
- Proficiency in graphic design software such as Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator.
- Experience with texturing software like Substance Painter.
- Previous experience working in a university or research lab environment.
π Enhancement Note: The "required skills" are directly derived from the "Candidates" section of the input. The "preferred skills" are extrapolated from the "would be a plus" section, indicating desirable but not mandatory proficiencies that would enhance a candidate's suitability and broaden their operational capabilities within the lab.
π Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements
Portfolio Essentials:
- A curated portfolio showcasing a range of 3D modeling and texturing work.
- Examples of graphic design projects, including multimedia materials created for academic or professional purposes.
- Demonstrations of proficiency in required software (e.g., Maya, Blender) through project examples.
- Case studies or descriptions of projects that highlight problem-solving in design or asset creation.
- Visual evidence of understanding form, texture, and lighting in 3D environments.
Process Documentation:
- The ability to follow established design workflows and project briefs accurately.
- Understanding of asset management principles for digital content.
- Familiarity with iterative design processes, including receiving and incorporating feedback.
- Awareness of file format standards and optimization techniques for multimedia and 3D assets.
π Enhancement Note: For a design-focused role that supports research and teaching, a portfolio is crucial. The "Process Documentation" aspect emphasizes the operational side of design work, focusing on workflow adherence, asset management, and feedback integration, which are key to efficient creative operations.
π΅ Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range:
- HK$75 per hour.
Benefits:
- As a part-time student trainee position, benefits are typically limited to statutory provisions as per Hong Kong labor laws.
- This may include contributions to mandatory provident funds (MPF) if applicable, and statutory holidays.
- The role provides valuable on-the-job training and exposure to academic research and teaching technologies.
Working Hours:
- The appointee will be assigned to work a maximum of 17 hours per week.
- The schedule is part-time and likely needs to accommodate the operational needs of the VR laboratory and the student's academic commitments.
π Enhancement Note: Salary has been directly extracted. The benefits are inferred based on the "part-time contract" and "statutory provisions" mentioned, which is standard for such roles in Hong Kong. The working hours are also directly stated.
π― Team & Company Context
π’ Company Culture
Industry: Higher Education / Applied Sciences. Company Size: Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU) is a well-established university, indicating a medium-to-large organizational size within the education sector. Founded: 1989. HKMU has a history of adapting to market trends and meeting industry needs, positioning itself as a University of Applied Sciences.
Team Structure:
- The role is within the School of Nursing and Health Sciences (N&HS).
- The trainee will likely report to a faculty member or lab manager overseeing the VR laboratory.
- Collaboration will occur with academic staff, researchers, and potentially other student assistants or technical support personnel involved with the lab.
- The N&HS school focuses on strategic areas like gerontechnology, personalised care, and smart city initiatives, suggesting a modern, research-oriented environment.
Methodology:
- The university emphasizes innovative teaching and learning, strategic research, and stakeholder outreach.
- Research focuses on areas like digital humanities, international business, gerontechnology, personalised care, and smart city development.
- The VR laboratory likely supports research and pedagogical approaches in these fields, requiring data-driven insights and efficient operational processes for content delivery and research support.
Company Website: https://www.hkmu.edu.hk
π Enhancement Note: Company information is derived from the provided description. The "Team Structure" and "Methodology" sections infer how a design trainee would fit into the academic and research operations of the N&HS school and HKMU at large, focusing on the practical application of their skills in a research and educational context.
π Career & Growth Analysis
Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level, part-time student trainee position, designed for individuals early in their academic and professional careers. It provides foundational experience in a specialized operational environment. Reporting Structure: The student trainee will report to a supervisor within the School of Nursing and Health Sciences, likely a Professor, Lab Manager, or Senior Technical Staff member responsible for the VR laboratory. Operations Impact: The role's operational impact is centered on enabling enhanced teaching and research through the creation of essential 3D models, textures, and multimedia assets for the VR laboratory. This directly supports the school's mission to provide quality education and conduct applied research.
Growth Opportunities:
- Skill Development: Gain practical experience with industry-standard 3D modeling and graphic design tools (Maya, Blender, Photoshop, etc.) in a professional setting.
- Industry Exposure: Exposure to the higher education sector and the application of VR technology in research and teaching within health sciences.
- Portfolio Enhancement: Opportunity to build a professional portfolio with real-world projects that can be used for future job applications.
- Networking: Build connections with academics and professionals in the field of digital design and health sciences.
- Potential for Future Roles: Successful trainees may be considered for further opportunities within HKMU if suitable positions arise.
π Enhancement Note: This section analyzes the role from a career development perspective, emphasizing how this trainee position serves as a stepping stone for students in design and related fields, providing practical skills and industry exposure relevant to creative operations.
π Work Environment
Office Type: The role is based on-site within the Hong Kong Metropolitan University campus, specifically supporting the School of Nursing and Health Sciences (N&HS). Office Location(s): Hong Kong. The specific location will be within the N&HS facilities, likely housing the VR laboratory and associated design workstations.
Workspace Context:
- The workspace will be within a university setting, potentially including access to specialized VR equipment and design software on dedicated workstations.
- The environment is expected to be collaborative, involving interaction with faculty, researchers, and possibly other students.
- It offers a blend of independent work on design projects and team-based support for lab operations.
- Access to university resources, such as libraries and potentially other relevant departments, may be available.
Work Schedule:
- The work schedule is part-time, with a maximum of 17 hours per week.
- Flexibility may be available to accommodate the student's academic timetable, but the operational needs of the VR lab will also be a consideration.
π Enhancement Note: This section describes the physical and operational context of the work environment, focusing on the on-site nature, the university campus setting, and the collaborative yet independent aspects of the role, all relevant to a student trainee in an academic operations support capacity.
π Application & Portfolio Review Process
Interview Process:
- Initial Screening: Applications will be reviewed based on academic background, stated experience, and portfolio (if submitted initially).
- Technical Assessment/Portfolio Review: Candidates may be asked to present their portfolio, demonstrating their 3D modeling, texturing, and graphic design skills. This is a critical part of assessing their ability to fulfill the role's creative responsibilities.
- Interview: A formal interview with the hiring manager or relevant faculty member to discuss skills, experience, motivation, and suitability for the role and university environment.
- Practical Task (Potential): A small design task or a more in-depth discussion about a past project might be included to evaluate practical application of skills.
Portfolio Review Tips:
- Showcase Relevant Work: Prioritize 3D models, textures, and multimedia projects that align with the job description (e.g., character models, environmental assets, UI elements, explainer videos).
- Demonstrate Software Proficiency: Include examples that clearly show your skills in Maya, Blender, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Substance Painter (if applicable).
- Highlight Process: Briefly describe your design process for key projects β from concept to final output, including any challenges overcome.
- Quality Over Quantity: Present your best work, ensuring high-quality renders and clear presentation of your 3D assets.
- Tailor to the Role: If possible, include any work that relates to educational content, simulations, or health sciences applications.
Challenge Preparation:
- Be prepared to discuss your experience with specific software and techniques used in 3D modeling and graphic design.
- Think about how you would approach creating a 3D asset or multimedia piece for a specific educational purpose within the N&HS context.
- Practice articulating your design choices and the rationale behind them, especially concerning efficiency and visual impact.
- Be ready to discuss how you manage your time and prioritize tasks, particularly balancing academic studies with work responsibilities.
π Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice for candidates, focusing on how to present their skills and prepare for the interview process, with a strong emphasis on the portfolio as a key component for a design-oriented role.
π Tools & Technology Stack
Primary Tools:
- 3D Modeling Software: Maya, Blender (required).
- Graphic Design Software: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator (preferred).
- Texturing Software: Substance Painter (preferred).
- Game Engine: Unity (preferred, for interactive applications and VR integration).
Analytics & Reporting:
- While not a primary focus, understanding how assets are used in VR applications might require basic familiarity with how performance is tracked or how user interaction is managed within Unity.
CRM & Automation:
- Not directly applicable to this role, as it's focused on content creation and lab support rather than sales or marketing processes.
π Enhancement Note: This section lists the specific software tools required and preferred, directly extracted from the job description. It highlights the technical stack relevant to a 3D modeling and graphic design trainee role in a VR lab environment.
π₯ Team Culture & Values
Operations Values:
- Innovation: Contributing to cutting-edge teaching and learning methods through VR technology.
- Quality: Commitment to producing high-fidelity 3D models, textures, and multimedia content.
- Collaboration: Working effectively with faculty, researchers, and peers to achieve project goals.
- Efficiency: Managing time and resources effectively to meet project deadlines and support lab operations.
- Applied Learning: Valuing practical experience and the application of academic knowledge to real-world projects.
Collaboration Style:
- The role requires a collaborative approach, working closely with the N&HS staff and researchers to understand their needs for the VR laboratory.
- Open communication and the ability to provide and receive constructive feedback on design work are essential.
- Teamwork will involve sharing knowledge about design tools and techniques, and collectively supporting the day-to-day functioning of the lab.
π Enhancement Note: This section infers the team culture and values based on the nature of a university, the specific school (N&HS), and the role's responsibilities. It focuses on values pertinent to creative work, academic support, and collaborative environments.
β‘ Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Challenges:
- Balancing Academics and Work: Managing workload to meet project demands while maintaining academic performance.
- Technical Learning Curve: Quickly adapting to new software or specific VR content creation requirements.
- Meeting Diverse Creative Needs: Catering to the varied design requirements of different research projects and teaching modules.
- Working with Emerging Technologies: Staying current with advancements in VR and 3D modeling/texturing techniques.
Learning & Development Opportunities:
- Practical Skill Enhancement: Directly applying and improving 3D modeling, texturing, and graphic design skills.
- Industry Tool Mastery: Gaining hands-on experience with professional-grade design software.
- Understanding VR Applications: Learning how digital assets are integrated and utilized in virtual reality environments for educational purposes.
- Project Management Basics: Developing skills in managing creative projects from conception to completion.
- Academic Environment Exposure: Understanding the operational dynamics of a university school and its research activities.
π Enhancement Note: This section identifies potential challenges inherent in a student trainee role and outlines the significant learning and development opportunities available, framed within the context of academic and creative operations.
π‘ Interview Preparation
Strategy Questions:
- "Can you walk us through your portfolio and highlight a project you're particularly proud of, explaining your creative process and the tools you used?" (Focus on demonstrating technical skills and design thinking.)
- "How do you approach learning new software or design techniques when faced with a new project requirement?" (Assess adaptability and self-learning capabilities.)
- "Describe your experience with 3D modeling and texturing. What are some common challenges you've encountered, and how did you overcome them?" (Evaluate practical experience and problem-solving.)
- "How would you manage your time to balance your academic studies with the responsibilities of this part-time role?" (Gauge organizational skills and commitment.)
- "What interests you about working with VR technology in an academic setting, specifically within the School of Nursing and Health Sciences?" (Assess motivation and alignment with the university's mission.)
Company & Culture Questions:
- "What do you know about Hong Kong Metropolitan University and the School of Nursing and Health Sciences?" (Demonstrate research and genuine interest.)
- "How do you think your design skills can contribute to the research and teaching activities in our VR laboratory?" (Connect your skills to the role's purpose.)
- "Describe your ideal work environment and how you collaborate with others on creative projects." (Assess fit with team dynamics and collaborative style.)
Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
- Organize Logically: Group projects by skill (e.g., 3D modeling, texturing, graphic design) or by complexity.
- Provide Context: For each piece, briefly explain the project's objective, your role, the tools used, and the outcome.
- Highlight Key Skills: Ensure your portfolio clearly showcases proficiency in Maya, Blender, and any other relevant software mentioned in the preferred skills.
- Visual Clarity: Use high-quality images or interactive viewers for your 3D models. For textures, show them applied to models.
- Be Ready to Discuss: Anticipate questions about your design choices, challenges faced, and how you would adapt your skills for specific N&HS projects.
π Enhancement Note: This section provides specific, actionable interview preparation tips, focusing on the types of questions likely to be asked and how to present one's qualifications and portfolio effectively for a student trainee role in a creative/technical support capacity.
π Application Steps
To apply for this part-time student trainee position:
- Submit your application through the Universityβs eRecruitment System.
- Portfolio Preparation: Curate a digital portfolio that clearly showcases your 3D modeling, texturing, and graphic design skills. Focus on quality and relevance to the role's requirements, especially your proficiency with Maya and Blender.
- Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight relevant academic coursework, technical skills (software proficiency), and any previous design or creative projects, emphasizing achievements and responsibilities.
- Interview Practice: Prepare to discuss your portfolio in detail, articulate your design process, and explain how you manage your time effectively between studies and work. Practice answering questions about your interest in VR and the university.
- Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Hong Kong Metropolitan University's mission, its focus on applied sciences, and the specific work of the School of Nursing and Health Sciences. Understand how VR technology is being integrated into education and research.
β οΈ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.
Application Requirements
Candidates should be pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts with Honours in Animation and Visual Effects or a related program. Experience in 3D modeling design and familiarity with modeling software is required, with additional experience in Unity, Photoshop, Illustrator, or Substance Painter being a plus.