Internship Spotlight: Christopher Bartolotto - Prince William County Parks and Recreation

Internship Spotlight: Christopher Bartolotto - Prince William County Parks and Recreation

George Mason University is ranked #1 in Virginia for internships. 

Film and Video Studies requires students to take the course FAVS 450 Internship in Film and Video Studies. We believe internships provide an opportunity for students to gain practical experience, reflect on that experience, and apply skills learned in the classroom to the workplace. Throughout the academic year, we highlight some of the student experiences. 

Why did you apply to your internship? What intrigued you the most about the position? 

When applying to this internship, I was working with a job coach, and she helped me find this internship. I was intrigued that the internship was with PWC Parks and Recreation, since I have lived in Prince William County my whole life and have used facilities that were a part of PWC Parks and Recreation such as the Dale City Rec Center.

What were your main responsibilities? Did you work on any special projects?

My main responsibilities were scanning, filming, and editing the various parks across Prince William County for social media. Some special projects included filming events that happened with Prince William County Parks & Recreation such as the Ribbon Cutting at the Forest Greens Golf Club.

What’s one of the most valuable things you learned?

The most valuable thing I learned was to step outside your comfort zone, otherwise you won't grow.

How did your FAVS courses prepare you for the internship?

My FAVS courses helped me prepare for this internship as I was able to put my knowledge from sound and editing after filming, aligning with what PWC Parks and Rec does, but also by helping me create a new, different style to bring in more followers.

How did the internship help shape your career path?

This internship helped me shape my career path as I always wanted to be a video editor and was exposed to a new style of editing. During this internship, I realized that filming might be more of a passion, since I enjoyed being on set, which is the opposite of editing.

What advice would you give to students considering an internship?

I would encourage students to find an internship that interests them, that aligns with their goals and career paths because they will then realize whether that is the path they want to take or not.