Case Studies
- Laura Hannah
- Umair Iqbal
- Kurt Zdancewicz
- Rachel Perry
- Roy Boxmeer
- Hannah London
- Angela Maloney
- James Rising
- Sara James
- Daniel Young
Daniel Young
I was on the Walt Disney World® Cultural Representative Program, working in 'Merchantainment' within the UK Pavilion at World Showcase. This was in March 2004-March 2005.
I attained my A-Levels in Business Studies as well as Social-Religious Studies. I then worked in retail for Tesco Stores and became a training sponsor and customer service rep.
I found out about Yummy Jobs by coincidence. My family and I were on the Disney Cruise Line a few years ago and we met a lad from Manchester who had done the program. I had always wanted to work for Disney but until I met him, I didn't actually realise that I could. I then looked it up online and that is when I stumbled across Yummy Jobs, back in 2002 I believe when I made the initial enquiries and got into the process.
It was a bit daunting seeing a room full of 50-60 people when I was in Hammersmith for the initial interview. From applying to getting an interview, I believe it took 3-4 months, with another three months for an answer then six more for a departure date. It did test my patience and my nerves somewhat and in truth, I didn't expect to get in. My biggest qualm was my lack of work experience and compared to the others, I didn't have the education either plus I was from an area in England that few people know of so I wasn't sure the recruiters would go for that! In fact that was one of the things that they were attracted by!
While on the program, the biggest highlight for me without a doubt were the "extra" activities that I was able to take part in. In my spare time, I attended the Bowlathon, various team building exercises and my most favourite, various schools and so forth to talk to local children about my homeland along with Cast Members from Norway, Mexico etc. Certain things like that add a sense of value and importance to the program and are ideal for those who didn't come to Florida for the party side of things. For the bulk of the year, I was in a great apartment too with three international roommates and I like to think too that working in the Pavilion helped me gain confidence and improved my teamwork and communication skills. You do develop a bond with your managers and colleagues at times too which is important.
Having taken part in the Program is definitely a good talking point and something that left me with friends in places I never thought I would have! As mentioned before, I improved my skills in many ways and definitely feel that I grew mentally stronger and became a more rounded person during my experience.
Professionally, in my job I can offer a perspective or information on the area that several others in my industry perhaps cannot. I also think that in future, I could work abroad in other countries and that this program will have prepared me for that as experience would count for a lot in that type of occupation. As a person, I learnt to talk better, and more! I have a lot more self confidence than I used to do and after some personal challenges that I encountered during my stay there, I am probably wiser and stronger for it.
