Barbiliz Vazquez and Theodore Thomas proudly wear their Disney cast-member name badges.

MDC students make magic at Disney

As the largest single site for employment in the world, Walt Disney World® Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., has helped many Miami Dade College students on their path to success. In the last eight years, nearly 200 MDC students have participated in Disney's College Program, which offers undergraduate students the opportunity to work with key members of the company's leadership and management team while earning college credit and income. Interns enjoy fully furnished housing, admission to Disney theme parks and exclusive program events, and receive a variety of discounts on select merchandise, food and beverage and hotel accommodations.

According to Mel Morales, a recruiter for the Disney College Program, more than 20 internships are available for the Fall 2009 Term, including Merchandise Host/Hostess, Attractions Host/Hostess, Quick Service Food & Beverage Host/Hostess, Lifeguard and Character Performer. "Internships are open to all majors and academic levels, from freshmen to graduates, who are taking at least one course at the time of the (phone) interview." Students may apply for one of these roles by logging onto the MDC Student Employment and Internship Opportunities Online Site.

Barbiliz Vazquez, a 20-year-old business major, can attest to the success of the Disney College Program. She took on several roles during her Disney internship from August 2008 to January 2009, working as a lifeguard in two water parks and at several food-and-beverage kiosks during the Student Wine Festival at Epcot. "I interacted with thousands of guests and learned about the different cultures around the world. I really love to put on a smile and interact with guests on a daily basis. Disney is a company that values their guests and really encourages us to go above and beyond."

Vazquez continues to work at Disney on a seasonal basis and attributes much of her success at the company to the College. "MDC gave me the skills and tools necessary to land a job in a Fortune 500 company. My business courses have helped me understand behind the scenes and how business really works. They also gave me the confidence to work and speak about something I know very well."

Theodore Thomas, a second-year student at MDC, said that his time at Disney helped him to find his calling. "When I started at MDC, my major was business administration, but after I attended the Disney College Program, I noticed how comfortable I was speaking with guests and my student peers. I discovered that I have a great communicating talent, so I decided to change my major to mass communications."

After finishing an eight-month internship as a cast member in custodial at Magic Kingdom, the 22 year old returned to MDC and was hired as one of four campus recruiters for the Disney College Program. Based at Wolfson, Thomas enjoys educating MDC students about the Disney experience. "Not only am I promoting the Disney College Program, but I also have had the opportunity to meet members of Wolfson’s Campus leadership team, including the President, student dean and chair of the business program."

Morales said that his contacts at the College have been instrumental in following up with students to ensure that they feel supported and have every resource available to successfully complete their program. "Career Services offers resume writing and interview workshops for preparation. They also host a follow-up session to answer any questions, discuss MDC transferable classes, and provide the contact information for MDC faculty who are available for advisement."

To apply for the more than 20 Disney roles and more than 130 employment opportunities, including 94 jobs and 39 internships, log on to the MDC Student Employment and Internship Opportunities Online Site. Students who are interested in fall internship opportunities with the Disney College Program are encouraged to attend one of six upcoming information sessions:

North Campus
Tuesday, March 24
11:15 a.m. and 5:40 p.m.
MJ Taylor Lounge, Room 4207

Wolfson Campus
Wednesday, March 25
10:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
Building 7, Etcota Auditorium

Kendall Campus
Thursday, March 26
11 a.m. (Building 6, Room 6120)
5 p.m. (Building 2, Room 2114)  

— Nicole Tallman