Two King’s Students Intern for Disney

According to The King’s College Vision Statement, “The King’s College seeks ambitious students who want to make a difference in the world.”  This vision was certainly realized in Heather Harding and Christopher Hanson. The Walt Disney Company selected both for the Spring 2014 Disney College Program, a work study opportunity described as a “living, learning, and earning” college experience. Situated in Orlando, FL at the Walt Disney World Resort, Heather and Christopher work full time for Disney this semester instead of taking classes at our Wall Street campus. Disney provides housing where they live with fellow students. When off-duty, students take two courses through Disney Education. Heather is enrolled in Advanced Studies in Hospitality Management and Corporate Analysis. Christopher takes Corporate Analysis and Creativity and Innovation.”Corporate Analysis looks at the business and history of every operating unit of the Walt Disney Company. From the studio to consumer products to television to parks and resorts, the course gives me a chance to see the corporate structure of an entertainment giant,” said Hanson.  “Creativity and Innovation sounds like and Interregnum theme, doesn’t it? In this course, we see how companies throughout history, including Disney, have solved problems using creative minds and innovative ideas.”Hanson’s Creativity and Innovation course requires him to identify problems that he encounters in everyday life and journal solutions. Hanson says this is a departure from any kind of thinking he has ever done, and a good chance to exercise some creative muscle which may be useful in his future career. Harding is an attraction cast member at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and she works at the Lights, Motors, Action Extreme Stunt Show. She works six hours a day loading guests into the theater, ensuring that the show runs smoothly, and making sure guests are safe.”I have also worked the fireworks shift, where I ensure no one enters a fallout zone, which is extremely fun since the fireworks are basically overhead,” said Harding. Heather spends her days off exploring Disney parks for free.Hanson is a Resort Greeter who works at different bus stops at each of the 20 Walt Disney World Resorts to provide assistance and give directions. His day starts with a 6:30 AM meeting. Resort Management tracks which resorts are booking the most guests, and the greeters are sent to those locations to give directions.”My program is an excellent exercise in being patient and kind. It’s also résumé-worthy in that it’s all about guest service. If I pursue a sales career, I know that employers will want to see I have what it takes to handle clients. At the Walt Disney World Resort, our visitors are our clients,” said Hanson.Both Heather and Christopher enjoy their Disney experience, but King’s is not far from their thoughts. Heather asked if the King’s community will keep her health in prayer and Christopher asked us to pray that he is able to live out Christian kindness and share his faith with those he serves.Their program only began a few weeks ago, but Heather and Christopher recognize the one-of-a-kind opportunity to work for and learn from this Fortune 500 company. Click here If you are interested in internship opportunities at The King’s College.
In the heart of New York City, The King’s College is an accredited, Christian liberal arts college. Through the truths of Christianity and great works in politics, philosophy, and economics, we are educating the next generation of leaders for America and the world.