With the fall semester in full swing, one Mount Saint Mary College student is taking her classroom experience to Walt Disney World in Florida.
Janice Werba of Marlboro, N.Y., an English major on the 5-year MBA track, is gaining hands-on experience while working in the Disney College Program.
Werba serves as a Park Greeter at Magic Kingdom. Her responsibilities vary from day to day, with her main roles including welcoming guests, scanning tickets throughout the inside of the park, redirecting guests to their desired locations, answering general questions, and solving problems on the fly.
“My favorite thing about my role is bringing magic to those who need a little pixie dust boost when their day isn’t going as planned,” Werba explained. “By being open to new opportunities, I'm learning to strive among thousands of others here at the Walt Disney Resort.”
Beyond her daily responsibilities, Werba is also taking advantage of networking and learning sessions. These opportunities include a variety of sections, including special engagements, career spotlights, heritage lessons, and career readiness. Through these experiences, she has learned from CEOs, managers, guest celebrities, and other professionals.
When she first applied to the Disney College Program, Werba assumed that she was too young and inexperienced to qualify. She had also heard from other cast members that applicants often need to apply multiple times before being accepted.
However, that wasn’t the case for Werba, who was accepted into the program just four days after her phone interview.
Werba learned her role just four weeks before she arrived in Florida at the end of August. While applicants can indicate their preferences for their position, they cannot determine where they’ll ultimately be placed. Werba considers herself fortunate to have been assigned to her favorite park, Magic Kingdom.
Having never lived away from home, the thought of being thousands of miles away from her family was frightening. However, with the support of her mom and dad back in New York, she took on the challenge.
“Without them, I wouldn't have the courage I have now to be here,” Werba said. “Along with my family, my amazing friends back in New York have checked in on me every day, sending air hugs and undying support while I work here in Orlando.”
Werba also credits Mount faculty and staff with helping prepare her for the experience by encouraging responsibility, communication, and independence.
She hopes to combine the skills she has developed through the Disney College Program with the education she is receiving at the Mount.
“Being here at the Disney College Program has opened so many doors and I am beyond excited to finish my degree back in New York just so I can make magic once again,” Werba said.
Looking ahead, Werba hopes to continue embracing new challenges and opportunities.
“In the future, I hope to explore the ‘Big Blue World’ by being open to any adventure along the way,” she said. “And, being in the business world, saying yes to positive opportunities, all the while taking your time is what truly counts when reaching for a dream.”
For Werba, the experience has reinforced the importance of perseverance, openness, and taking chances.
“For those who are looking for inspiration or hope when things are troubling, I always repeat, ‘When everything falls apart, it’s just the world reshuffling.’ Never be afraid of the challenges you may face and when you can, always say yes.”