5 Tips for Rejoining Hong Kong Disneyland
Returning to Disney after time away can be both rewarding and challenging, offering fresh opportunities and new perspectives. Jennifer, Director of Experience Strategy at Hong Kong Disneyland, knows that firsthand. She recently rejoined Disney for the third time after spending several years away from the company.
In her current role, Jennifer leads a team responsible for creating magical experiences for guests. From seasonal events to interactions with digital platforms, Jennifer ensures that guests get the most out of their visit to Hong Kong Disneyland. Jennifer sees herself as the “orchestra conductor”, collaborating with multiple teams to ensure they are with one accord and singing the same song. She truly enjoys working collaboratively and making a meaningful impact in her role since returning to Disney.
If you’re looking to make a career move back to Hong Kong Disneyland, get your notebook out! Here are five tips from Jennifer that you should consider.
It’s okay to pivot
Although Jennifer is now leading the experience strategy team, she joined Hong Kong Disneyland in 2004 as an opening day cast member in finance, helping to build the very first pricing strategy for the resort. She also spent time in supply chain before returning to Disney. These diverse experiences have brought new knowledge to build Jennifer’s skillset. “Rejoining the company in a new business area has been very humbling and heartwarming. No one expects you to know everything and I’ve had many people reach out and offer support,” says Jennifer.
Embrace fresh perspectives
“Returning as an alumnus is unique because I’m familiar with the Disney culture, but I also bring fresh perspective from the outside, and people respect me for that,” says Jennifer. Her experience outside of Disney gave her new tools and perspectives that she can now apply within her role at Hong Kong Disneyland. Coupled with a deep understanding of the company’s culture and commitment to guest experience, she's able to translate those outside learnings into meaningful insights that help create magic while staying true to what makes Disney different. “I picked up skills like driving change and the power of influencing others even if they don’t report to me,” she shared, “Bringing a different point of view has made me stand out since coming back to Hong Kong Disneyland.”
Your work matters
One of the reasons Jennifer has enjoyed being back at Disney is seeing the direct impact of her work. At Disney, the impact is special because the work Jennifer does ultimately touches millions of guests and creates tangible memories that last a lifetime. “When I walk around the park, I can pinpoint the attractions and experiences that have my fingerprints on them. That’s inspiring because I realized that I really am making an impact.” Jennifer also loves the opportunity to grow with the company after being away. “There’s so much to learn, even though I’ve worked for the company before. I believe that emphasizing growth helps me stay sharp in my life and my work.”
Lean on your support system
For Jennifer, great leadership is one of the main reasons she came back to Disney. “It’s not just one leader. I can name multiple senior leaders who have impacted me as a person, how I see myself and how I see my career … Rejoining the company can be daunting at the beginning, but my community has empowered me and made it easier to navigate.”
Follow your heart
When asked what advice she would give to alumni thinking of rejoining, Jennifer’s response was simply, “Follow your heart. That’s what ultimately led me back to Disney. You have to take a pledge to yourself to pursue something you’re passionate about. Something that you want to wake up and do consistently.”
Jennifer is so happy to continue her career with Hong Kong Disneyland, “If you enjoyed it your first time, you’re going to have a blast the second time! Disney’s culture is so unique, and it values alumni.”
Are you looking to restart your career with Hong Kong Disneyland? Join the Alumni Talent Community!
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