Starting Your Career After the Military: Disney’s Military Fellowship Program
The Walt Disney Company is committed to supporting veterans and their families as they transition into life after their service. Disney’s Military Fellowship Program offers transitioning service members and their spouses hands-on experience in various roles around the company.
As a three-to-six-month program, veterans can expect real project work, mentorship and a structured transition experience. Fellows are matched with teams across the company and given meaningful assignments that help translate their military skills into civilian roles. They also receive guided onboarding, support from a dedicated Fellowship Program Team and access to a network of veterans and leaders who help them adjust to Disney’s culture and set up their post‑service career path.
To gain more insight on the program, we spoke with Dan! After a full and successful 30 years in the Army, Dan was ready to build a career outside of the military. He shared, “While I was deployed in Afghanistan, I emailed my wife to let her know that when I returned, we’d have one final duty‑station move before I retired. I asked her where she wanted to go. She said she wanted to stay in Florida … I told her Central Florida could offer great post‑military opportunities. She replied with just three words: ‘Why not Disney?’” And the rest is history! In 2017 Dan became the first ever Fellow in the program and is currently a Senior Manager with Outreach and Engagement, focusing his efforts on building the Fellowship Program so more veterans can find success after service.
How does Disney support veterans and their families?
“Through programs like Heroes Work Here, Disney has hired thousands of veterans since 2012. The company also honors military families through daily flag retreat ceremonies at the parks and by partnering with organizations like the Bush Institute and the Fisher House Foundation, where Disney VoluntEARS create supportive experiences for families receiving care. Disney also provides community and support through SALUTE, the veteran and military employee resource group, which I co-lead for the Florida site. We offer resources, events, and connection points for veterans and their families across the company. And through the Military Fellowship Program, Disney helps transitioning service members and spouses gain hands‑on experience and mentorship, easing their move into civilian careers and supporting long‑term success for their families. An easier question might be what doesn’t Disney do for veterans!”
How did the Military Fellowship help your career at Disney?
“The Military Fellowship was a turning point for me. It helped me translate my military experience into meaningful work at Disney and gave me confidence that I could thrive here. It also connected me with teams and leaders who supported my transition and ultimately shaped the path I’m on today.”
How can veterans find success during their Fellowship?
“For me, veterans find the most success in the Fellowship when they show up curious, build real relationships and let people get to know their story. The Fellowship gives you mentors, training and feedback tools, but the real growth happens when you lean into them. When you network with intention, ask for guidance and stay open to learning a new culture, you not only thrive in the program, you set yourself up for whatever comes next here at Disney or beyond.”
What skills from your service do you carry into your current role?
“I carry several skills from my military service into my role today—discipline, adaptability and the ability to stay calm under pressure. Leading diverse teams in complex environments taught me how to communicate clearly, prioritize quickly and support people through change. Those same skills help me guide projects, build strong partnerships, and show up as a steady, dependable leader at Disney.”
Can you offer any advice for veterans or military families ready to transition to civilian life?
“Yes, some lessons learned are starting early! Build a network, find a mentor who understands the journey and one that does not, meaning have a veteran and non-veteran mentor. Learn how to tell your story and be able to tell it to someone who has never served so they can understand it. Use all your available resources, there are many! And most important, and this is not easy for veterans, give yourself some grace, ask questions, stay curious and give yourself time to adapt.”
What’s the best part about working at Disney?
“The Mickey Premium Bars! But a close second place is that it feels like a natural extension of my service. After the military, I wanted to find a place where purpose, teamwork and impact still mattered—and Disney gives me that. I get to work with incredible people who care deeply about making a difference. And knowing that my work helps open doors for other service members and military families makes it even more meaningful. It’s a place where my military story isn’t just understood—it’s valued.”
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