One of the ways Disney cultivates creative thinking and cutting-edge innovation is by attracting new talent through the Disney Professional Internship program. Internships or apprenticeships of some form date back to the early days at Disney.
Today, the Professional Internship program spans The Walt Disney Company with more than 2,500 participants each year. In addition to being a lot of fun, everything about the Disney internship experience is real – from results-oriented projects to work that builds upon skills learned in the classroom. Oftentimes, projects have an impact on a global stage as students work side-by-side with Disney leaders who also are seen as leaders in their industry.
Danielle Berman, a marketing intern at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts shares, “I work on projects for Adventures by Disney, which offers group travel to destinations around the world, and my managers really allow me to take ownership of those projects. It’s not only been a great learning experience, but it’s rewarding to see that my work has a direct impact on the business.”
Also unique at Disney is the variety of job disciplines. There are more than 450 different types of internships – from technology to production to finance, and even internships related to animals and the environment.
For many interns, the program is a steppingstone to a Disney career – a way to get a solid start through career development and networking. Another benefit is that all internships are paid, giving students an added level of stability as they begin their careers.
Program details can be found at DisneyInterns.com, which re-launched just this week with a new look, new information and even videos featuring past interns talking about their experience with the program.
Past participants can share their stories with new interns at DisneyInterns.com/Share.