Disney College Program Miniseries: Season 3 Episode 4 – How to Land Your Dream Job After the Disney College Program

April 3, 2024

ON THIS EPISODE OF LIFE AT DISNEY: DISNEY COLLEGE PROGRAM MINISERIES

Started on the Disney College Program and now they’re AMBASSADORS! Walt Disney World Ambassadors Shannon and Serena join Holly and Destiny to talk about their Disney career journeys how they still use the skills from their College Program in their roles today.

Welcome to season three of our miniseries, where we’ll discuss all things about life on the Disney College Program! For more than 40 years, this unique internship experience has brought magic makers to Walt Disney World® Resort from across the country and many participants go on to have lasting careers with The Walt Disney Company.

Shannon completed her first Disney College Program at Disneyland in parking and transportation. Then, she came over to Walt Disney World for a second program in attractions before landing a Disney Internship in recruitment. Serena completed her Disney College Program at the Crystal Palace in Magic Kingdom. After graduating, she came back to Florida for a Disney Internship in sourcing.

Today, Shannon and Serena make up the 2024-2025 Walt Disney World Ambassador team.

ABOUT THE GUESTS:

Serena Arvisu

Originally from Tucson, Arizona, Serena started her Disney journey in 2016 when she completed a semester-long Disney College Program as a Food and Beverage hostess at the Crystal Palace in Magic Kingdom. That life-changing experience solidified Disney as her dream career path.

After graduating from the University of Arizona, Serena returned to The Walt Disney Company and accepted a Disney Internship with the Design and Construction Sourcing Team. Later that year, she officially joined the Disney Cruise Line Sourcing team in a professional role.

Prior to her Disney ambassadorship, Serena worked as a Sourcing Specialist for Disney’s Supplier Diversity team.

Shannon Smith-Conrad

Born and raised in Bakersfield, California Shannon started with The Walt Disney Company in 2012 through the Disney College Program– where she worked on the Disneyland Resort Transportation and Parking Team, an opportunity that changed the trajectory of her career.

After graduating from California State University of Bakersfield, she embarked on her second Disney College Program; however, this time it was at Walt Disney World working Attractions at EPCOT’s Mission: SPACE.

Following her second College Program, Shannon accepted a Disney Internship on Disney’s College Recruitment Team.

Since then, she has held various roles within Human Resources from Global Human Resource Operations to Training and Development. Prior to her Disney Ambassadorship, she worked on the Disney Experiences Professional Recruitment Team.