Disney internship proves magical for alumna

When Alyssa Ferrell was accepted into the Disney College Program, she got more than she bargained for as a business major.   

Ferrell first enrolled at San Jacinto College in fall 2022 and graduated in spring 2024 with an associate degree in business. She discovered the Disney program during her last semester, and she knew right away it was something she could not pass up.  

“The application process involved completing paperwork, then waiting to hear back,” Ferrell said. “I’d say the scariest part was the live phone interview with a Disney recruiter.”  

The news of her acceptance came quicker than she expected.   

“During my interview, the recruiter told me I would hear back from them in about two weeks, and three days later, I got an email saying I’d been accepted into the program,” Ferrell said. “I was jumping up and down with excitement when I got the email.”  

Ferrell was a student in Dr. Jeff Jackson’s accounting class at the Central Campus when the Disney venture began.   

“Alyssa had already been accepted into the program before I talked about the importance of internships or other related work in the class,” Jackson said. “So I asked her to tell the class about it. College academic programs don’t always require an internship as part of the academic requirements, so students have to take it upon themselves to find them and apply.” 

A lifelong inspiration and dream come true  

Ferrell started the internship in fall 2024, but this was not her first time at Disney World as her family has vacationed there many times.  

“Disney has inspired me with many things in my life, such as my love for filmmaking and wanting to run my own business someday,” she said. “I also love the way Disney can immerse their guests into such a happy and magical environment. I wanted to be a part of this program to not only learn from the company that has inspired me throughout my life but to also be a part of creating those memorable experiences and putting a smile on people’s faces.”  

During her time there, Ferrell learned how the company operates and manages its employees. Disney provided lodging for the program, allowing participants to live in an apartment complex on Disney property.   

“Working in Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival is a lot of hard work that can be challenging at times but beneficial in the end,” she said. “This role has taught me a lot about customer service. I am learning how to offer the best quality service to a guest during any situation. My communication and problem-solving skills have improved drastically since I’ve been here.” 

Ferrell cherishes moments where she can make a guest’s day brighter.   

Some of my favorite moments are when I can tell I have added a little extra magic to a guest’s day, either by having a good helpful conversation or simply making them smile.

She also values the friendships she made during the program.  

“Another thing I love about the college program is the number of friends I have made, she said. “Most of the people I work with are my age and in the college program. I have made so many good friendships that I feel will last forever.”  

Planning the future  

After completing the program, Ferrell plans to transfer to the University of Texas at Austin to pursue her bachelor’s degree in film.   

“Once I finish my degree, I am hoping to return to Disney through a professional internship,” she said.