Join the Web Staff

Unlike the websites of many campus newspapers, the dailyprincetonian.com is developed and run by an all-student team. Nowhere else on campus will you find the resources and infrastructure for gaining first-hand experience in web development. The web staff is always looking for motivated students who are interested in web development to join our talented team. Please contact Amy Ousterhout '13 for more information. But first, a few FAQs:

What is the web staff?

We are an ambitious team of designers, developers and system admins who share a passion for providing the best online experience for the Princeton community. Our work is diverse, challenging and very fun. We seek to constantly enrich The Prince's web presence through ongoing improvements and innovation to the site.

Why join the Web Staff?

The web staff is a fantastic opportunity to learn about all aspects of web development. You'll develop the practical experience and get exposure to how web development works in a small company, providing invaluable experience for students who intend to work in a programming- or design-related vocation after graduation or for summer jobs and internships.

Experienced programmers and designers will have the chance to contribute immediately to large projects, while those still looking to learn can work alongside our senior staff at first to gain fluency with our system.

Most importantly, your work contributes to an organization central to the Princeton community. What you design and implement with the web staff will make an impact across campus and throughout our staff of over 200 students and for the tens of thousands of daily viewers of our website.

What kind of background do you need to be on the Web Staff?

Familiarity with an object-oriented language and some understanding of how webpages work is very helpful. However, the motivation to learn is the most important skill.

One of the most challenging aspects of development is understanding the existing code and infrastructure. To this end, we have extensive documentation and training material that'll get a new member up to speed in no time.

Some of our technical work includes layout design, coding javascript/Flash widgets, Linux server administration, and traditional software development.

What is the website built on?

We created this media portal on top of the Python-based Django web framework, which facilitates agile development and continued improvements to the web system. Though public users only see the frontend of the website, there's also a robust backend that streamlines the daily tasks for our non-"techie" staff. The site incorporates many open-source and free (as in beer) software tools.

The site was entirely designed and implemented by Princeton students. It was released at the beginning of 2008.

What do Prince web staffers do after they graduate?

The web staff provides opportunities for leadership and building a track record of success. Though our team is still young, web staffers play an integral role in the day-to-day and long-term functions of the newspaper. Web staffers quickly build a resume of completed projects that demonstrate commitment, knowledge, and experience that can go a long ways in the job and post-graduate markets.

Former web staffers have pursue careers with:

• Facebook
• Microsoft
• Google
• Goldman Sachs Technology Division
• Carnegie Mellon School of Computer Science, Ph. D. program

How can I find out more?

For more information, please email Patrick Wendell '10 (patrickw@) or speak to any other member of our team.