The Walt Disney Company Invests in Tomorrows Leaders at AfroTech
The Walt Disney Company (TWDC) has taken its commitment to developing early career talent to new heights by providing students access to attend AfroTech in Houston, Texas. The conference focuses on celebrating and empowering black excellence in tech, including speakers from Disney Entertainment and Walt Disney Imagineering as well as Disney on the Yard mixers for attendees to enjoy.
Meet Mariah and Jaila, two scholars and former Disney interns who had the opportunity to attend AfroTech!
Mariah
Software Engineer Intern
Global Information Security
Prairie View A&M University
How has your internship at Disney helped you grow professionally or personally?
Professionally, my internship taught me to learn how to advocate for my career. At Disney, I did a lot of remote hopping and would find people through our internal directory to speak with. I'm very thankful to all the professionals I reached out to that were willing and open to talk to me! It helped me figure out what I want to do with my career in tech, which is front end development UX design.
Personally, it got me out of my comfort zone, helped me grow and become confident walking into any room to show people who I am and what I can bring to the table.
How has Disney supported your career aspirations beyond the internship itself?
The Business Employee Resource Groups were important to me and gave me a sense of belonging. Disney is big on community and beyond the internship they allow me to have a community that I can really rely on.
How has this internship experience shaped your vision for your future career?
After my internship, it helped me to hit the ground running for my career. I gained a lot of knowledge and advice to set me up for my future, especially knowing where I want to go down the road in tech. The internship itself molded and shaped me to be where I am now, and I feel like it helped set me up for success.
What does being part of the Disney Scholars community mean to you?
It means success, excellence, inspiration and a way to pay it forward. Not only did it help me level up, but anytime I have opportunities or experiences like this, I take it back to my campus to not only have a position at the table, but so that I can bring others behind me as well.
If you could describe Disney’s commitment to early career talent in one word, what would it be—and why?
Intentional. Disney is very intentional with their early career talent. In how they build relationships and connections, you can tell that it’s genuine.
What was the most inspiring moment for you at AfroTech this year?
Being surrounded by excellence! AfroTech offered a wide range of opportunities to dive into the world of technology and learn its many different avenues. I absorbed as much inspiration and insight as possible to carry with me throughout my career and bring back to my university. The highlight of my experiences included Disney’s Coffee Chat & Connections event with other interns where I was poured into by technology professionals from the company. During our brief exchange, they instilled in me encouragement and valuable advice for my future endeavors after graduation.
Jaila
Business Analyst Intern
IT-PMO Technology Operations
Georgia Institute of Technology
Delta Sigma Theta Soror
What new skills or tools have you gained through your Disney internship?
I'm learning a lot with API integration and using different tools like AI to help me. Outside of technical learning, I’ve strengthened my skills when it comes to presentations and learning how things work in business. I've been able to talk with my managers, as well as gaining that confidence in a corporate setting.
How has this internship experience shaped your vision for your future career?
I want to be at Disney for a very long time. The company has so many different sectors, whether you're working for a Disney Cruise Line or corporate--whatever it is, there are so many different areas of Disney where you can find where you belong.
What does being part of the Disney Scholars community mean to you?
It means unity. When I think of the Disney community, I see the little mouse ears and how it's one continuous motion. Throughout the summer I’ve built relationships with other interns, and we stay connected once our internship was over. We shared such an amazing experience together and that’s something I won’t forget.
If you could describe Disney’s commitment to early career talent in one word, what would it be—and why?
Investment! Disney invests in early career talent and wants to see you try because they will teach you a lot of the things that you don't know. That’s what I love about the company because they have opportunities for early career talent to get a foot in the door.
How did attending AfroTech expand your perspective on opportunities in tech and entertainment?
AfroTech opens many doors for exploration in technology to broaden perspectives! There were a lot of great companies that attended the conference. The representatives had a wealth of knowledge to share and were willing to connect further. This allowed me to understand a career in tech isn’t linear. Seeing people who come from different backgrounds that are not just computer science or engineering inspired me to learn.
The Walt Disney Company’s commitment to developing early career talent showcases why it’s important to provide students with opportunity. Disney inspires, motivates and encourages the next generation of innovators to dream on!
To learn more about early career opportunities at The Walt Disney Company, please visit Disney Careers.
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