Dear Reader,
Over the course of 12 weeks from late-May to mid-August of 2019, I was a full-time video production intern at Russell Tree Experts. During my time as an intern, I created service videos summarizing many of the various services that Russell Tree Experts offers such as pruning, stump grinding, and insect and disease management. I also created “video shorts” highlighting a specific job site or aspect of tree care.
I was very excited to begin this new opportunity and adventure as I would have something productive to do over the summer while strengthening my video production skills. However, it was quite intimidating because of my lack of arboriculture knowledge. Prior to working at Russell Tree Experts, I used to call oak trees “acorn trees.” Nonetheless, I did not let that deter me from accepting the challenge and opportunity. I was excited that Kenny Greer, Shari Russell, and Matt Vaughn had every bit of faith in me as the person best fit for this internship position.
To help me step foot into this new career path, I was allotted time to study educational resources from Russell Tree Experts, American National Standards Institute (ANSI), and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to quickly learn the ins and outs of the tree industry. At times, I even looked at manuals for specific equipment such as chainsaws and articulated loaders. The most useful resource however was verbal communication with the staff at Russell Tree Experts. It is incredible how knowledgeable everyone is when it comes to not just tree removal or tree pruning, but with tree wellness, arboriculture, and horticulture. After getting to know many of my fellow coworkers and after visiting many job sites to record video, it was clear to me that the people of Russell Tree Experts are passionate about their work and that they know how to best diagnose a tree and recommend a specific service instead of defaulting to just removing the tree.
Now, I am a video production assistant at Russell Tree Experts. Currently, I am working on producing more service videos, producing training videos for incoming employees, and finding ways to leverage video for marketing and advertising purposes. My major is in moving image production with a double minor in film studies and photography. Russell Tree Experts is incredibly flexible and accommodating towards my class schedule and there are many opportunities to learn more about tree care or video production when needed. On a personal note, because of their work benefits and flexibility of hours, I am on track to graduate college debt free, and for that, I could not be more grateful. If you are interested in seeing what a typical day can be like for me, down below there is a video about it from my personal and self-titled YouTube channel: Enrique Arayata. Along with that are some of my favorite videos that I have created throughout my time at Russell Tree Experts!
Overall, my internship with Russell Tree Experts was life-changing and I learned so much about the tree industry. In terms of career building, I learned how to operate a camera drone, strengthened my video production skills, and reaffirmed my interest and career path towards video production. Most importantly, I expanded my network and created relationships with positive and supportive people who have the best interests in mind for myself, for each other, and for the company. I also know now that acorns come from oak trees.
What It’s Like Being A Video Production Intern For A Summer!
Careers at Russell Tree Experts
Stump Grinding Service Overview
Dam Debris Removal
Sincerely,
Enrique Arayata I Video Production Assistant, Russell Tree Experts
Enrique is a second year student at The Ohio State University majoring in moving image production with a double minor in photography and film studies. In his free time, he enjoys running, spending time with his girlfriend and family, photography, and creating YouTube videos.