It was a good way to start off with learning how to lead a team and work for a big company. Get Real world experience would like to how to communicate and work with others.
What I wish was different
Yes it was a great experience. I wish they did more training with how to lead a team but over all good!
Advice
I asked lots of questions and don’t be afraid to fail just don’t give up.
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Area Host
May - August 2021 • Williamsburg, VA
What I liked
Meeting new friends
What I wish was different
The workers break rooms, we only had one bathroom working in the main area.
Advice
The summer heat is no joke, so unless you don't mind it and having to move around a lot then I'd recommend it.
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Senior Ride Operator and Intern
May - August 2021 • Williamsburg, VA
What I liked
Being able to learn about the operations of a theme park while getting leadership experience and meeting lots of new people.
What I wish was different
Advice
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Merchandise Business Intern
May - August 2021 • Williamsburg, VA
What I liked
It was great retail and customer service experience. I got to spend every day in the park so it was a really fun job.
What I wish was different
I wish there was more information sessions on marketing within the company
Advice
Step out of your comfort zone and get to know the other interns! It can truly make your experience so much better.
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Park Operations Lead
May - August 2019 • Williamsburg, VA
What I liked
Liked the ability to gain knowledge of the park through a management role while utilizing several different leadership techniques. I enjoyed the general process of the internship program.
What I wish was different
Various supervisors with each section of the park are not uniform with their policies or management philosophies. Each morning I came in, I didn't know who I would be working with that day and would have to adapt my leadership style based on other supervisors in the park for the day.
Advice
You gain the ability to think on your feet and are able to adapt to varying situations within the park. Make sure you are able to work with your team and develop ways to motivate them to keep your team members productive.
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Lifeguard
May - August 2019 • Williamsburg, VA
What I liked
I enjoyed spending time outside having fun but yet being responsible and making money. I also benefited from all of the first aid/CPR and lifeguarding skills I learned because of what my major is.
What I wish was different
The amount of hours required to work per day outside in the scorching heat.
Advice
Be sure to learn how to take care of your body when you spend that much time outside in extreme heat on your feet all day. But also take advantage of the experience and benefits from it.
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Cashier
May 2019 • Williamsburg, VA
What I liked
On the whole I had enjoyable coworkers.
What I wish was different
More clear communication between management and employees.
Advice
Like many other jobs, you have to be prepared to sometimes deal with difficult people.
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Lifeguard
June - August 2019 • Virginia Beach, VA
What I liked
Living by the ocean
What I wish was different
Older co workers
Advice
It’s a great experience with working with people and coming up with solutions on ur own
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Sales Associate
May - August 2019 • Williamsburg, VA
What I liked
I enjoyed the people that I worked with.
What I wish was different
I wish that I had not been moved around from shop to shop as often.
Advice
Always be careful with how you interact with customers in sales. Avoid misunderstandings.
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Park Operations Intern
May - August 2019 • Williamsburg, VA
What I liked
I love the industry and gaining leadership experience.
What I wish was different
I wish there was a job offer included, or a better path for growth with the company.
Advice
Getting involved in the hospitality industry is something everyone should experience. Living in a tourist town, getting away from home for the summer, it really helps you not only to grow up but to feel like you've contributed to something meaningful.
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Lifeguard
May - August 2018 • Williamsburg, VA
What I liked
Being in the sun.
What I wish was different
Different home zone.
Advice
Don't work there.
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Business intern
May - August 2019 • Williamsburg, VA
What I liked
I loved going to work and learning about the different leadership opportunities in the company!
What I wish was different
I wish I had asked more questions about working for the marketing team.
Advice
I would say enjoy all of the time you have in the parks and talk to the guests! The guests might offer you a job!
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Theme park supervisor
May - August 2019 • Williamsburg, VA
What I liked
I loved being in a leadership role where I feel I could make an impact on guests and my fellow team members.
I also loved that I got to learn about all sides of the company! I really think this solidified what I want to do after Longwood.
What I wish was different
I wish it lasted longer! I really have no other complaints.
Advice
Make the most of it! I learned a lot throughout my time here and made great friends. I also think it's important to have fun in this position. You can't take yourself too seriously because, at the end of the day, your peers will respond better to a leader that doesn't behave in a superior manner to them.
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Merchandising intern
May - August 2019 • Williamsburg, VA
What I liked
They had their own internship classes where we learned all about every aspect of the theme park business!
What I wish was different
Nothing, this was a great experience!
Advice
This internship has earned me great connections and experience that I will use the rest of my life!
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Facility supervisor
May - August 2018 • Williamsburg, VA
What I liked
The experiences over the summer greatly enhanced my knowledge of the theme park industry.
What I wish was different
I wish nothing was changed the experience was amazing.
Advice
Be willing to put in a lot of work. It will pay off in the long run with amazing experiences and great friends.
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Department Auditor
May - August 2018 • Williamsburg, VA
What I liked
What I wish was different
I wish I had worked more with my finance director instead of out in the park.
Advice
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Brand Merchandising Intern
May - August 2018 • Williamsburg, VA
What I liked
I loved the photo department! The management was great to work with, and it was such a positive environment. I walked away with more confidence and learned way more than I had thought I would have.
What I wish was different
I do not wish anything had been different. I loved my internship!
Advice
You get out what you put into it.
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Lifeguard
May 2017 • Williamsburg, VA
What I liked
Interacting with guests and guest relations.
What I wish was different
I wish I tried to live in the moment more and not try to leave work early.
Advice
Take advantage of the opportunity to speak with guests. You never know what they have to say or offer.
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Facility Supervisor
May - August 2018 • Williamsburg, VA
What I liked
The benefits of working at Busch Gardens like going to the park for free and discounts.
What I wish was different
I wish I would have known more about what I would be doing before taking the offer.
Advice
Be ready to work hard and a lot for low pay. You will learn a lot and it will mostly be how to not do things, but still you will learn a lot. I hated the internship because I was working 50+ hours per work so I had no free time, but otherwise it was still the best summer I ever had. "Work hard, play hard" was more real than I could ever imagine.
