2024-25

Since June, I have been part of the Disney College Program, working in Attractions Operations at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Walt Disney World. This internship concludes in January and has been an incredible blend of hands-on learning, professional growth, and exposure to the inner workings of one of the most admired companies in the world. Through the program, I have gained firsthand insight into how every level of Disney operates, from leadership and finance to guest experience and large-scale operations. Alongside my on-site training, I have also taken Disney-led courses in leadership and business development that directly connect to my Finance and Business Analytics studies at Santa Clara University.

A typical day in my role begins early in the morning as I arrive at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, ready to help bring this immersive world to life for guests from around the globe. After clocking in, our operations team conducts detailed safety and functionality checks to ensure every system within the land is running smoothly before opening. Throughout the day, I rotate between a variety of operational positions across Galaxy’s Edge, most often at Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. Each position carries significant responsibility, as much of the work is performed independently and requires focus, problem-solving, and a deep understanding of both operational procedures and guest safety. Whether managing guest flow, coordinating dispatch, or maintaining show quality, every moment demands precision and adaptability to uphold Disney’s world-class standards.

Beyond daily operations, I have had the opportunity to observe and learn from operational leaders who coordinate more than 250 Cast Members at a time. Watching them balance efficiency, guest satisfaction, and team morale while also keeping track of budgets and overseeing repairs to attractions that experience daily wear has given me a real understanding of what large-scale management looks like in practice. It has been inspiring to see how leadership, communication, and logistical strategy come together to keep one of the world’s most complex entertainment operations running flawlessly every single day.

Outside of work, I was flown out to Orlando to live in Flamingo Crossings Village, a community where Disney College Program interns and Cast Members live, learn, and grow together. It is a vibrant and diverse environment that has allowed me to build lifelong friendships and learn from people with all kinds of backgrounds and career paths. The combination of classroom learning, on-site operations, and personal development has made this experience one of the most transformative of my life.

For students interested in opportunities like this, my advice would be to stay curious and open to growth. The Disney College Program teaches you how to connect professionalism with storytelling and how even the smallest details can create meaningful impact. Step outside your comfort zone, learn from those around you, and never be afraid to take on something new. Because if you never go outside your comfort zone, you will never truly grow into the person you were meant to be. Excellence comes from caring deeply about what you do and embracing every opportunity to learn, even the challenging ones.

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