From Seasonal Cast Member to Business Integration Project Analyst: Estelle’s Disney Journey in EMEA
In December 2013, Estelle accepted a two-week position working with the Ticketing Team at Disneyland Paris during the Christmas season. Little did she know those two weeks would change the course of her entire career.
Today, Estelle is a Business Integration Project Analyst for The Walt Disney Company based in Paris, France, and she still looks back at her first Disney role fondly.
“Even though it was a short experience, it left a strong impression on me,” she recalls. “Working in the park at such a magical time of year — despite the cold — gave me a first glimpse of the energy, attention to detail and sense of service that makes Disney so special.”
Almost two years after her time at Disneyland Paris, Estelle officially joined The Walt Disney Company France as a Human Resources Apprentice while completing her master’s degree. During those two years, she had the chance to discover different areas of HR, including training and development, recruitment and employee support.
“It was a great introduction to the company and helped me build a strong foundation in HR while learning from experienced colleagues,” she says.
Now in her current role, she makes HR processes and tools work smoothly for employees, managers and HR teams across different countries in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA).
She supports projects that improve how employee-related processes are managed, such as employee data changes, system updates or process improvements. She also helps coordinate between different teams, gather requirements, track progress, prepare communications and make sure everyone has the information they need to move things forward.
“A big part of my role is connecting the dots between the business, local HR teams and technical teams so that changes are clear, practical and implemented in a way that supports employees and the people who support them.”
There are many ways The Walt Disney Company supports employee career growth. Estelle’s journey is just one example of how.
“I would say Disney supports career growth in three different ways: through its culture, its learning resources and the variety of experiences the company can offer,” Estelle explains.
“Disney creates an environment where people are encouraged to be curious, take initiative and continue developing over time. Career growth is not seen only as a promotion or a new job title, but also the ability to gain confidence, expand your perspective and build new skills through everyday work.”
“The company provides access to many learning tools, trainings and development resources,” she adds, “This gives employees the opportunity to take an active role in their own growth, whether they want to strengthen skills in their current role, prepare for future opportunities or simply keep learning in areas that interest them.”
What surprised Estelle most about working for Disney is the variety.
“You never really get bored,” she says, “The company is constantly evolving, and there is always something new happening, whether it is a new project, a new process, a change in the business or an opportunity to collaborate with different teams.”
She also describes Disney as a dynamic environment.
“Once one project ends, another often begins — and sometimes several things are moving at the same time. This keeps the work interesting and encourages you to stay curious, adaptable and open to learning.”
Estelle’s advice for those aspiring to have a Disney career like hers? Stay open, curious and unafraid of opportunities, even when they take you outside of your comfort zone.
“A Disney career can grow in many ways,” she explains, “and sometimes the most valuable experiences come from saying yes to a new project, learning from a different team or taking on a challenge you did not originally expect.”
“I also think it is important to surround yourself with people who support your growth and are willing to guide you, challenge you and help you see your own potential,” she adds, “Throughout a career, the people you work with can have a real impact on your confidence and development.”
Estelle’s final piece of advice is to be proactive and take ownership of your journey. “Ask questions, keep learning and be ready when opportunities come your way,” she says, “Growth does not always happen all at once, but every experience can help you build the next step.”
Inspired by Estelle’s career journey and interested in exploring open roles with Disney EMEA? Explore open roles and apply here.
