Representing the Magic with a Storytelling-focused Disney Journey
What started as a dream to participate in the Disney College Program turned into a journey of growth, mentorship and a professional return to the magic. After completing their Disney College Programs and becoming Disney Programs Representatives, Nick and Amelia have stepped into their next role as Disney Interns. Their career journeys with The Walt Disney Company are rooted in their passion for professional progress, understanding of the company culture and joy of sharing their experiences.
It All Started with the Disney College Program
In Fall 2023, Nick and Amelia both participated in the Disney College Program. Nick worked in watercraft at Magic Kingdom Park, while Amelia worked in merchandise at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This experience was something new for both of them. “This was the first time I lived in a place away from my friends and family,” Nick shared. “Many of the experiences I had on my program were new to me.” Those new experiences soon turned into opportunities for growth and discovery.
Amelia shared that the Disney College Program was her first-ever job experience. “It was an absolute dream come true to learn and grow professionally in a fun and supportive environment,” she said. Nick and Amelia were both impressed with all of the resources they had available to them while on their programs. It was through all of the learning offerings and networking events that they both first discovered the chance to become Disney Programs Representatives after chatting with the recruitment team. This opened the door to the next chapter of their Disney stories.
Sharing the Magic on Campus
After their programs, Nick and Amelia returned to school at Purdue University and began their roles as Disney Programs Representatives, becoming the faces of the Disney College Program for other students. “We were the alums of the program who shared real stories and the benefits that a Disney Program has to offer,” Amelia explained. The two often worked together to network with campus faculty and clubs to advertise the College Program, host informational sessions and even prepare students as they got ready to begin their own Disney Programs.
Amelia and Nick both applied for this opportunity to help students understand the Disney Programs experience from a first-person perspective. “I only had online resources and knew no one else from my university who had done the program,” Amelia said. “I wanted to be a person that someone who was interested in the program could go for all of the answers to their questions.” As a STEM major, Amelia wanted to help other STEM students learn how they too could benefit from this opportunity. Sharing their positive experiences and passion for Disney Programs was Nick and Amelia’s way of holding onto their magical experiences and allowing them to keep networking and building their resumes as they applied for their own next steps.
Returning to the Dream as Disney Interns
Both Nick and Amelia returned to Orlando the following year - in new roles as Disney Interns. Nick joined the Central Shops Manufacturing team as an Engineering Intern, and Amelia joined the Workforce Management team as Workforce Analyst Intern. “In a world where many students share similar resumes, my prior Disney experiences showed hiring leaders that I was passionate about working for Disney, and that I was already familiar with the culture,” Nick shared.
Nick and Amelia continue to share their advice and experiences with those who want to follow in their footsteps. “Reach out to people and make your own opportunities,” Nick said. “Use your time at Disney to set up meet-and-greets and establish those connections that may help you out in the future.”
They both benefited from the learning sessions and networking opportunities that Disney Programs has to offer and would recommend that participants take advantage of these opportunities. “You may find a team or job that aligns with your interests and career goals that you never knew existed,” Amelia said.
What started as a dream to be a part of the magic became an ongoing journey of growth, learning and storytelling. From their first nametags to their latest professional roles, Nick and Amelia remind us that Disney dreams don't have to end; they can always be a stepping stone down your career path.
Interested in learning more about being a Disney Programs Representative after your program ends? Learn more here or read more about Disney Internship opportunities.
