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Millersville University graduates, Rachel Steinmetz (Philadelphia), Haley Poust (Stevensville, Maryland) and Amanda Piergallini Horsham, Pennsylvania), will be jetting off to Florida on August 13 to participate in the Walt Disney Company College Program.
The Disney College Program is a U.S. national internship program operated by The Walt Disney Company that recruits college students and/or recent graduates of all majors for a five or seven month-long paid internship program at one of the Walt Disney Company resorts, Walt Disney World or Disneyland.
“I wanted to join the Disney College Program since high school,” says Steinmetz, a senior speech communication major with a concentration in public relations and a minor in graphic communication technology. “When I came to college I met people who did the program and I saw their experiences through pictures, which made me want to participate in the program even more.”
The program offers participants the opportunity to work in front-line roles at the Walt Disney World company theme resorts. The program participants are employed in one of several positions including merchandise, custodial, food, attractions, boutique host/hostess and/or entertainment. Poust and Piergallini will be employed in attractions, while Steinmetz will be employed in bell services.
“The Disney College Program want to know that potential applicants are interested in the overall Disney College program and not just interested in one position because you can grow as person in the program by making connections with other employees and guests at the parks or resorts,” says Poust, a speech communications major with a concentration public relations and a minor in athletic training.
In addition to employment with the Walt Disney Company, participants of the program can take college-level courses, informative seminars and live in company-sponsored housing with other students from the around the globe.
“I wanted to participate in the program since I was in middle school,” says Piergallini, a senior technology and engineering education major with a concentration in engineering and a minor in theatre. “I knew that I would regret it I didn’t go for it.”
For many Disney College Program participants, the programs offer an opportunity to gain invaluable work experience while enjoying the culture of the Walt Disney Company.
Steinmetz, Poust and Piergallini plan to chronicle their journey and experience through the Disney College Program on Instagram. To follow these Millersville graduates, please check out their Instagram accounts.
Rachel Steinmetz- @racheldoesdisney
Amanda Piergallini- @amandawithadream
Haley Poust- @haleydoesdisney
