While Oklahoma Christian University offers students the opportunity to spend the fall in another country through study abroad, some instead choose to spend their semester in, what they consider, a far more magical place. Through the Disney College Program (DCP), students and recent graduates can spend five to seven months working, learning and playing in the Disney theme parks.
Alumna Lauren Waugh, a 2017 journalism graduate, participated in the DCP in the spring of 2015, during what would have been the second semester of her sophomore year at Oklahoma Christian. According to Waugh, she was not enjoying school at the time and thought the program would be a fun change of pace.
“I worked front and back house at Liberty Inn at EPCOT’s World Showcase, which is a quick service restaurant,” Waugh said. “A typical workday there was getting up to work on homework, going to work at 3 p.m., going home around 11 p.m., having dinner and going to bed. I did not work on class days, so my work days were usually Wednesday through Sunday.”
During Waugh’s time in Florida, she took two classes at Disney University; Organizational Leadership and Creativity and Innovation at Disney. Both were like regular college classes, but with lots of Disney references, Waugh said.
“Just because a class was at Disney did not mean it was easy,” Waugh said. “They took work and grades were not just given out. I ended up enjoying working in the World Showcase because America is in the middle of 10 other countries at EPCOT, so I learned a lot about different cultures and met tons of people from all around the world.”
After completing the DCP, Waugh said she returned to Oklahoma Christian more outgoing and happier and even decided to rush one of the social service clubs on campus.
“College and life have been more joyful since getting back from Disney,” Waugh said. “The DCP challenges your work ethic, faith and dreams so much, but in the end, it gives you best friends and a more loving attitude toward people.”
Adam Giles, a 2017 mechanical engineering graduate, completed the DCP in January but still works part-time at Disney while pursuing a Master of Science in mechanical engineering from the University of Central Florida. After living in what he calls the “OC Bubble,” Giles wanted to get to know the world from a different point of view and decided to apply for the DCP.
“During my senior year, I started to gain an interest in theme parks and I realized I would really like to pursue a career in the themed entertainment industry,” Giles said. “The Disney College Program was a great start for me to move to Orlando and learn more about the industry from first-hand experience. It has been a significant change from OC, but after four years, a bit of a change may have been exactly what I needed.”
At Disney, Giles works in the entertainment department as a performer and said one of his favorite experiences was getting to be in the Christmas Parade last December.
“Marching down Main Street on Christmas Day is an amazing experience, and I liked it enough that I will be doing it again this year,” Giles said. “I also get to hang out with some cool characters like Goofy and Tigger. It can be a very physically demanding job and it is not for everyone, but it can be very rewarding.”
For students who are interested in hospitality, themed entertainment industries or just looking for a unique way to spend their semester, Giles said he would encourage them to consider the DCP.
“The program is a great way to network with leaders within the company who could potentially help you when it comes to finding a more permanent role at Disney,” Giles said. “There are also many great professional internships within the company that may be better suited to providing you with relevant work experience, although they are extremely competitive.”
The DCP paid internship, which allows participants to network with leaders, take part in personal and career development classes and build transferable skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, guest service and effective communication, according to the DCP website, is now accepting applications for next semester.
“OC students should consider doing the Disney College Program because it is truly a life-changing experience unlike any other,” Waugh said. “Most college students do internships or even study abroad, but how many get to work for one of the best companies? The DCP provides solid training on the job, workshops, college courses, behind-the-scenes tours and so much more. You have to know the DCP is a full-time job and not just a semester of playing in the parks. It is tough, but has so many rewards that come with it.”
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