Name: Giovanna Orfali
Pronouns: she/her
Semester of Internship: Spring 2025
Major: Visual Arts (Cinematic Arts Concentration) and
Minor in Photography
Current Class Level: Senior
This semester I completed a(n)...: Internship
Internship, Co-op, or Research Site (Company/Organization
Name): Cato Institute
Location of the Organization (City, State): Washington
DC
Title of position: Media Production and Audiovisual
Intern
Tell us about your internship, co-op, or research
opportunity, including your day-to-day responsibilities: At the Cato
Institute, I worked with the audiovisual team on a variety of multimedia
projects. I learned how to operate the control room during live productions,
including setting up cameras and managing the live switcher for debates and
live streamed interviews and events. I also edited multi-camera interviews for
Cato’s platforms. One of my main projects was producing, conducting interviews
for, and editing the 2025 Thank You Paslaqua Family video. This
documentary-style piece highlighted the impact of the internship program
through intern stories and served to recognize the generosity of the Paslaqua
Family while promoting the mission of the Cato Institute.
Describe the process of obtaining your position. When did
you hear of the position and submit your application? I heard about the
position in October and applied in early November. In late November, they
requested additional materials. I had an interview on December 9 and received a
call the next day saying I had been accepted. I started working there in late
January.
What resources did you use to find your current
experience? To find my current experience Handshake.
What have you enjoyed the most about your position and
organization?
Honestly, I loved everything about this
experience. The team was incredibly friendly and patient, and they trusted me
to work on live productions—which was so exciting. I still remember the
adrenaline rush the first time I operated the live camera switcher. I learned a
lot in the control room, especially because they use new, high-quality
equipment. Their location is also very convenient. What stood out to me most
was how communicative and organized they were—from the beginning of the
application process to the very last day of my internship.
How do you believe you have made an impact through your
work?
I think I made an impact by quickly stepping into a role
with real responsibility. Being trusted to help with live productions and to
fully produce a key video project on my own made me feel like I was truly
contributing. I brought creativity, organization, and attention to detail—and I
really believe that helped Cato present itself in a strong, professional way to
both the public and donors. I also feel proud of helping communicate Cato’s
mission through thoughtful video content. Whether I was editing policy
discussions or working on the Thank You Paslaqua Family video, my goal was
always to tell stories that resonate and highlight the work being done.
What advice would you give to another student who is
seeking an internship or similar experience? I would say: tailor your
resume and go after what you’re genuinely curious about. Once you’re in the
role, show your team how the experience is impacting you. Be open about how
much you want to learn, don’t be afraid to ask for help, and if you have
ideas—share them! Showing initiative and enthusiasm really makes a difference.
Please provide a short reflection or quote about what you
liked most about your position / earning internship credit / working with the
Career Center.
The Career Center helped me tailor my resume and better
understand my goals, which allowed me to apply for positions that truly support
my growth and help me work toward my future aspirations.
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