Advice from an Army Veteran turned Disney Professional
The Walt Disney Company has a long-standing tradition of respect and appreciation for those who serve. With initiatives like Heroes Work Here, Disney supports military service members, veterans and their families in meaningful ways across the company, including employees like Will!
As a Director in Global Security Operations, Will helps protect the magic at Disney. Before joining the company, he spent three years in the Army Reserves, serving both across the United States and overseas.
Throughout his service, Will strengthened his leadership skills, developed focused discipline and embraced a mindset centered on accomplishing the mission at hand. When the time came to transition out of active-duty service, he already had a clear goal in mind: Disney.
The SoCal native explained, “I was already living in two worlds when I applied to Disney. I was an Army Reservist winding down my career. The through line in both careers was ‘service’ – I felt like I was helping people and making a difference. The transition to Disney security helped me fill those needs when I decided to leave the military.”
Building a Career Through Growth and Opportunity
Will joined The Walt Disney Company in 2007 and has spent his entire career growing within Global Security. From the start, he intentionally pursued opportunities that would expand his capabilities and challenge him professionally.
“On this journey, I sought out and was given numerous opportunities (some within my scope and some I had to stretch out for) that broadened and honed my skills that directly contributed to my advancement. I was also fortunate enough to have leaders that saw potential in me and invested in me.”
One of his favorite projects early in his career was contributing to the development of D23. “I have had so many wonderful opportunities to work on large-scale projects for the company … but what I really am proud of is being involved in all Disney D23 Ultimate Fan Expo’s since they started! This summer will mark my 9th expo and it’s amazing to see how far we have come since 2009!”
Will brings a strong sense of drive and ambition from his military service to his work at Disney, qualities that continue to shape how he approaches leadership and decision-making today. “These help drive long-range, strategic thinking and operational day-to-day tasks. Most importantly I learned about being a leader to people, not a boss, but a leader that understands the most important asset any organization has is its people.”
Shared Values, Different Approaches
Disney stands out as a natural next chapter for many veterans, with values that closely align with those formed during military service. “I am so proud to be a part of a company that reflects the values of excellence, integrity and whose north star is to always do the right thing.”
Differences between the experiences shape how the work comes to life, especially in how teams operate and collaborate. “There is an emphasis on collaboration that can sometimes feel in contrast to the military mindset … leveraging the power of collaboration instantly makes whatever you are trying to do better. Results matter, but just as important is how we achieve those results.”
That evolution in approach is part of what makes this experience impactful to Will as he embraces the people-first culture at Disney. “In the military I was known by my rank and last name. Hearing about a company that called you by your first name was foreign to me. When I heard that even the CEO was called by his first name, I was in disbelief of such a communal work environment.”
Looking to start your career with Disney? Will shared great advice for future magic makers!
- Connect with your fellow military community
- “The veteran networks in the private sector are huge! Seek out veterans working in industries and companies you are interested in, have frank and candid conversations about what you are looking for and what you would like to know.”
- Build your network
- “Seek out employees through LinkedIn or other channels and ask questions about what it is like working for the company. Look to see if there are internship [and Fellowships] opportunities or other ways to get a feel for the company.”
- Find the opportunity that is right for YOU
- “Remember that you are interviewing that respective company just as they are interviewing you. Be honest with yourself if this opportunity is a good fit for you. If it is congratulations, if not, no problem find something that fits you!”
- Don’t give up!
- “If you see a role that you are interested in, apply for it, go through the process and do not give up!”
To learn more about Disney’s commitment to the veteran and military family community, visit HeroesWorkHere.Disney.com.
If you are interested in exploring opportunities with The Walt Disney Company, click here!
