The University has been selected as a distinguished Disney College Program institution because of the high number of applicants, according to Disney Campus Recruitment Manager Jeff Hickman.
The Disney College Program has been giving students an opportunity to gain magical experiences for more than 35 years.
“We’ve always seen tremendous interest in the program from LSU students, which is a ‘win-win’ situation because they bring such professionalism and a ‘guest service first’ attitude to their work locations,” Hickman said.
“The Disney College Program provides students with an opportunity to immerse themselves in the Disney culture while placing them in the position of ‘magic makers’ for our guests, Hickman said.
“The work experience on the program alone can be a differentiator on a resume,” Hickman said. “Plus, students get to network and better positions themselves for a potential future career with Disney.”
Mass Communication senior Katie Gaffney participated in the program last spring.
“I used to always tell [my family] I was going to be a princess,” Gaffney said.
Gaffney said she applied to the program because she has always wanted to work in Disney World. Last spring, she worked at a shop in Fantasyland selling princess dresses. Her costume included a giant purple dress, pixie dust and a wand. They often had parades around the store, she said.
“It was hard work, but I was having so much fun while doing it that I didn’t really notice it,” Gaffney said. “Plus you’re in Disney World, and you get to go to all the parks in your free time, so any negatives it outweighs it.”
Gaffney said her favorite part was interacting with people from all over the world. She is still in contact with her former co-worker from Shanghai, and plans to visit friends she met through the program in New Jersey and Australia.
Gaffney said the program has made her more adventurous and outgoing.
“I used to be really shy and never really wanted to talk to people unless they talked to me, but when you’re working in a really fast-paced environment,” Gaffney said. “I opened up a lot out of my shell.”
Gaffney said she plans to move to Florida in January with her friends who she convinced to do the program. She plans to participate in the program next spring working attractions. Her goal is to stay with Disney and work her way up.
“[My managers] started all as college program kids and worked their way up to be managers in charge of each land,” Gaffney said. “I like the idea of everyone’s on the same level and you get to work your way up. It doesn’t matter who has the most internships.”
Editor’s Note: A previous version of this story incorrectly spelled Gaffney’s name as “Gaffrey.” The Daily Reveille apologizes for this error.
