Students who intern at Walt Disney World benefit from working at the "happiest place on earth"

By Beth Reilly
Collegian Staff
September 27, 2006

Ever wonder what it would be like to work at the “happiest place on earth?” Senior Kristyn Oliveti had that opportunity, and loved every moment of it.

Senior Kristyn Oliveti interned at Walt Disney World last fall, and encourages students
to take the opportunity to do the same. - Courtesy of Kristyn Oliveti

As a computer science and digital arts major, Oliveti spent her fall 2004/2005 semester living at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla. Her first semester was spent in the College Program and working at the American Adventure restaurant while taking three courses. While attending the program, she was enrolled in the courses Organizational Leadership, Human Resource Management, and her personal favorite, Marketing U.

“Marketing U taught students how to market themselves while looking for jobs, along with negotiation strategies. It taught resumé development, and we had to develop a 30-second commercial about ourselves to give to a prospective employer,” she said.

The College Program also provides students with many networking opportunities with Disney leaders in their field through information sessions, mentorship programs and career, exploring programs.

“After completing this internship, I knew Disney was somewhere I definitely loved to work, and I wanted to get more experience down there,” she said. “As a graduate of the College Program, I had an opportunity to apply for an advanced internship, a more specific role directly corresponding to my field.”

In the fall of 2005, she was selected to work as the bioinformatics intern for Animal Kingdom, which means she was the technical support for the biologists, zoologists and veterinarians at Animal Kingdom.

As a bioinformatics intern, she managed some of the animal databases, as well as wrote some program codes. She was also photographed animals for documentation during medical procedures and helped design posters and displays in Photoshop and Illustrator for national zoo conferences.

One of the best things she said about her time at Disney was all of the great benefits she received for working there. She received free admission to all of the parks and a discount on merchandise.

Family and friends were also granted a discount on Disney hotels, discounted park admission and some free tickets.

Transportation was supplied for the students. A Disney bus picked them up to go to work, the parks and for personal errands.

Disney is currently looking for new students for the program and Oliveti is the official campus representative for the program.

“At Disney, you get a chance to learn skills from one of the largest and well-known companies in the world, as well as a company that is known for excellent service,” Oliveti said. “Getting behind the scenes and seeing how a company like Disney really works is a real eye-opener, in a good way.”

A La Salle computer science and DArt alumnus, Glenn Winters, completed the program and is currently employed with the Disney Design Group as a freelance graphic designer.

“I have always wanted to work for the company. There is something about Walt Disney and his passion to bring new ideas to the world. I would like to help continue his vision,” he said. “We all look at Disney as a company that brings joy and happiness to people all over the world, and it’s a great feeling to be a part of that tradition.”

There will be a presentation at Temple University in the Kiva Auditorium at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., scheduled on Oct. 12 for any students interested in interning for Disney. For more information, visit disneycollegeprogram.com

reillyb1@lasalle.edu