Programming Intern Review

Working for Disney has allowed me to get real experience in a professional yet fun workplace. As an Intern you are given the same responsibilities as all cast members which is a key motivator to apply. There are also many extra opportunities that cast members can get involved in such as, film premieres, cast previews, discounts and I got the opportunity to go to a set visit of Evermoor (Disney Channel show).

My colleagues welcomed me into the team from day 1. When it came to leaving it was really difficult saying goodbye because with practically the whole team I'd consider good friends. They were also fantastic while I settled into the role, offering a helping hand wherever I needed it. This support made me feel welcome in the team and help me settle in much easier.

On the rare occasion I struggled with something (personal or work related) my manager was always there to offer a helping hand and would constantly go the extra mile to ensure I was okay. I was lucky enough to have 1 direct manager but also 3 others I could go to for support so there was always someone around if I needed support.

As most of my role was ad-hoc jobs there was occasion where there wasn't a lot going on. During this time I was instructed to watch Disney Channel content to think of possible stunts for future programming. On a normal day however, I would only be watching content if I wanted to not because I didn't have enough work to do (it helps that I enjoyed the Disney Channel content).

I had some key responsibilities such as managing title translations for my territories. This was very important because the titles of the shows can make or break a programme and its watchability. The further on into my placement year the more responsibilities I received which shows that they saw potential in me and wanted to push me to go the extra mile.

When I started my placement I had no idea what Programme Planning involved. Through advice from management and team support I gained a wealth of knowledge in this area and through this I have a real interest in continuing in this area after my university degree. Disney also had external speakers come into the company to talk, I attended talks from Google and members of the Disney Music team which broadened my interest in these areas and will help with my university degree.

Disney is known to be a fun company, this atmosphere continues in the office environment. Cast members desks are covered in toys and disney products which makes the office much more colourful. The generic work ethic working for the Disney brand also contributes to the excellent atmosphere as everyone wants to be there and wants to enjoy their role.

Disney have been offering placements for many years so they are very familiar with the process. They offered amazing support from the minute I was offered the role. My manager had had 4 interns in the time she'd been there so she was clued up on how everything works and what needs to be done to ensure students are able to pass their placement year and have an amazing time.

I was offered most of the opportunities that all the other cast members were given. There was a few talks (with limited spaces) that they offered to permanent members of staff before interns as Disney take on over 250 interns each year and we all want to further our experience, the interns would take over and not leave space for other members of staff.

Disney are a company which constantly bring out amazing content every year. Keeping this in mind being involved in this in the future is something I'd really like to be a part of. Speaking to members of my team and finding out their roles has also been a key part of why I'd want to come back to Disney as everyone has such a positive attitude towards the brand.

I worked on the 6th floor in the office, on this floor there was 20 + interns. Working closely with most of them meant that our relationships grew in the workplace then outside the workplace as there was always someone who wanted to do something. One of my favourite memories of placement year was a group of us interns took a day off work and went on a day trip to Thorpe Park (mid-week so it was quiet). I've made friends on my placement that I know will stay with me for life.

This was the only real downside to my placement. London is known for it's expensive cost of living. Disney pay a wage which you can live off of (providing your rent isn't sky high, I paid £650). The positive of this is that I have got much better at budgeting! It all depends on where you go though, there are some places which are pretty reasonable but also others which break the bank a little.

London is also known for it's amazing nightlife, this lived up to its expectations. If the cost was a little lower this would be everything I need on a night out. Most of my nights out were spent in SoHo, as there were bars/clubs there that aren't too expensive. However we did explore the city and go to some places I wouldn't normally go to! It's all part of the experience.

There is plenty going on in London always! There was never a weekend where I was bored or struggling to find something to do. During my time in London I attended many stage shows (The Book of Mormon, Lion King, Aladdin, Kinky Boots). I also have friends that like down south I don't normally get to see so I spent a few weekends in Brighton seeing them and visiting the seaside.