Bluefield, VA – Bluefield University sophomore Abby Gasperson, from Bluefield, VA, has been accepted to the Disney College Program and will complete a paid internship at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida during the Fall 2022 semester.
Gasperson described the program as “a life-changing opportunity” that “allows students to form relationships and interact with individuals from all around the world while receiving job experience with the Walt Disney Company.”
Participants in Disney Programs, known as cast members, have access to Career Connection and Exploring Disney courses and seminars.
“I plan to go through Career and Professional Development Training, which will help me develop resume writing skills, interviewing techniques, networking skills, time management, and financial planning,” Gasperson said.
“However, I am most excited to learn the behind-the-scenes of Disney,” she added. “I have traveled to Walt Disney World multiple times, and I think it will be exciting to understand the operations on how they make it the ‘Happiest Place on Earth.’”
Disney Programs, including the Disney College Program, enable cast members to network and develop skills by fulfilling roles in Operations, Entertainment, Lodging, Food & Beverage, Retail/Sales, and Recreation at Disney resorts.
“I don’t get my location assignment until a month before I leave, and I don’t get my position until a week before I go. However, I would love to be assigned in any of the parks. I would especially love to work in Hollywood Studios,” Gasperson said.
Gasperson shared she would like to fulfill her childhood dream of working with characters and participating in live shows or meet and greets.
“When I was little, I always dreamed of being a Disney Princess (specifically Ariel); I’ve always been attracted and compelled to wanting to work for Disney, whether it was to fulfill my six-year-old dreams of becoming a princess, or whether it was applying for the Disney College Program,” Gasperson said. “I knew if I wanted to work for Disney, the College Program would be the best way to get my foot in the door and form the connections needed.”
Gasperson applied for the program in January and later completed a web-based interview. The following week, she received an email congratulating her on being accepted to the program. According to PrepScholar, about 20% of applicants are accepted into the Disney College Program.
Gasperson is a graphic communication major at BU and serves in Bluefield University Student Ministries (BUSM).
“Overall, this is an opportunity that I never thought I would get the chance to do. I am super excited to spend the next semester at Disney World and have the opportunity to learn the behind-the-scenes of one of the most successful corporations in the world,” she said.