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Hannah Dean says one day, she would like to recruit for the program she’s doing right now. Dean is participating in the Disney College Program in Florida. Though she’s only been in the program for a few weeks, she says it is already one of the most incredible experiences she’s ever had.
Dean, who is in Lincoln Trail College’s Associate of Science and Arts program, is currently working in a food and beverage program at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Once the weather is warmer, she’ll transfer to Lottawatta Lodge at Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park.
Her internship is very similar to a regular job. She says she’s working about 40 hours a week at her job, which gives her a lot of time to interact with guests at the park. “One of my favorite parts of the job is getting to make magical moments with the guests. Getting to see their faces light up really makes it worth it.”
Dean says the first thing students in the program do is take a class on Disney’s traditions. The class talks about Disney’s history and values and stresses the importance of those traditions. She says hospitality plays a huge role in those traditions. “We’re taught to individualize every guest’s experience and adjust to their wants and needs.”
She says that the program offers many learning experiences like behind-the-scenes tours and classes similar to what you would take on a college campus. Classes cover topics like guest relations, attractions operations, food and beverage operations, and event operations. Students can also take career readiness classes covering topics like networking, resumes, and interviewing.
Dean says getting into the Disney College Program is rigorous. The initial application covers the basics about who you are and your education and also has you rank the areas where you’re interested in working. She says after they review your application, they’ll set up a web-based interview and after that, you get a phone interview.
“I was very relieved when I found out I got in the program,” says Dean. “I had applied once before and I didn’t get into the program. When I found out I was accepted this time, it was a huge relief.”
Dean says she sees this opportunity to be very important for her future. “Having Disney on your resume is amazing. I know I’m getting a lot of experience that I’ll be able to share with future employers. I’m also getting so much guest interaction and making their experiences individual ones. That’s something I can take away from here and use in the future.”
Within the resort, Dean says she’d love to be able to work with Disney PhotoPass. They stage photographers throughout the resort and near attractions. They take pictures of guests that they can later download.
In the long term, Dean says she’d love to serve as a recruiter for the Disney College Program. “There are so many college students out there that could have a great experience doing this program. I’d love to be able to connect with them.”
She says there’s no question that this program is worth doing. “If someone is debating it, go for it and do it. This is one of the most incredible experiences I’ve ever done. Waiting to find out if you’re in can be stressful, but it is one-hundred percent worth it. Getting that nametag is so amazing.”
