Ooo la la! Hospitality Management student lands in Disney, Paris
Camosun student Erica Parsons (2nd from left) lands contract job in Disney, Paris)
Erica Parsons is one of nine second-year students from Camosun’s Hospitality Management program who participated in a student exchange program through a Disney/Camosun partnership this year. The students spent two weeks at the University of California, Riverside for orientation prior to beginning their six-month program at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida.
Parsons was hired as a concierge at Animal Kingdom Lodge, an African themed Disney park set within a wild life reserve and focused on nature and education. Parsons worked 50 - 60 hours a week, took advantage of two free Disney courses - Corporate Analysis and Marketing, and also managed two on-line courses with Harvard University - Global Business and Innovation & Technology.
Disney training
Prior to commencing work, Disney employees receive four days of training where they learn about the history of Disney, and the expectations for staff to uphold the Disney traditions and values. “Disney provides excellent training, which includes unparalleled training in customer service,” says Parsons.
Hard work pays off
After spending three months at the check-in desk, Parsons was promoted to a prestigious concierge position in the VIP Concierge Lounge where she had the opportunity to network with many influential people, including upper management of the company. According to Parsons, the management team is a group of very motivated people who really care about employees and are willing to support them. Disney rules are strict. All employees (called cast members) wear costumes and are restricted in the use of jewelry, visible tattoos and brightly coloured nail polish. “If you can’t conform, you are not going to like working for Disney!” says Parsons.
An exciting opportunity
Parsons was not looking forward to the end of her co-op work term at Disney so was very excited when the opportunity for positions at Disney, Paris arose. Her hard work during her time at Disney paid off, and Parsons was thrilled to be offered a one-year contract position as Food and Beverage Supervisor at Disney, Paris.
“If you work hard for Disney, give above and beyond, Disney will work for you,” says Parsons. Currently in Victoria completing a final course at Camosun, Parsons heads off to Paris this February to begin her Food and Beverage Supervisor position. She would very much like to embark on a career with Disney and hopes that suitable opportunities will arise. Parsons is already well immersed in the Disney culture - her parting words: “Have a magical day!”
One of the reasons Parsons enrolled in hospitality management at Camosun was that she felt it would facilitate her ability to travel. So far, so good!
For more info
If you would like to learn more about Erica Parson’s Co-op adventures, visit her blog:
www.adventuresinroaming.blogspot.com
