Placement Year Review at Walt Disney

The Role

Role Description

My main task was to assist other members of the team with marketing plans and projects. I also had a few admin based tasks and learnt how to use SAP. The job is very flexible in terms of what you prefer to work on; whether you would like to be more creative or strategic in your tasks.

1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

The office had a very relaxed environment and there was always someone around to help with any questions. The work was very enjoyable and I had the chance to work with people all over the world.

2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Once I had learnt the necessary skills and job roles I felt very valued. i was asked to assist with large projects and was also given feedback and appraisal for my work. I still stay in contact with them now.

3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

My line manager was invaluable over the year. We had weekly meetings to check I was reaching the objectives I had set myself and to check I wasn't struggling with anything. I found it very easy to talk with him and ask for help. He also ensured I was taking on tasks that I found interesting and that help build on my skills.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Over the year the workload changed. Before a product launch the office was very busy and at times I did stay late. However, I never felt this was a burden and any extra help I put it was rewarded.

5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

The first 3 months I learnt my main responsibilities and became comfortable with the team. After 6 months I was given my own product to work on and larger projects to assist on so I felt like I was given a lot of responsibility in exchange for my hard work.

6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

The skills I have learnt will definitely help me in the business area in future years. I also learnt a lot about teh target makret I was working with and their wants and needs. Time management and organisational skills are some of the things I deveoped voer the year that will help me this year and in future jobs.

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Working for Disney meant the office was never dull. We had days where we would have the characters walk around or have a themed lunch in the canteen. We even had the chance to watch movies in the cinema downstairs. Working with such a fun brand helped to keep the office exciting.

8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Disney are very experiened with working with interns as they hire a lot each year. My role was clearly defined and we are made to feel part of the team straight away.

9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

We were given the chance to attend workshops and seminars to build on our personal skills. The company helped to provide these either in the office or around London. You are encouraged to attend these and they proved very useful.
In terms of our personal goals within the job role, my manager helped me to identify what I wanted to acheieve and helped me to monitor my progress.

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

• Subsidised/Company Gym
• National Travel
• International Travel
• Company Parties/Events
• Staff Sales/Staff Shop

11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Even though there is no graduate programme with Disney, many of the employees used to be interns. In my team, 4 people were interns and invited back when a job was made available. Being a intern definitely helps get your foot in the door with this company!

Other Information

12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Having 100 interns over the whole company helped alot wiht socialising. We had a social committee that organised events and we all went out every weekend together. Our team also went out every few weeks and sometimes went out for lunch. There was a good balance of work and play!

13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

London is very expensive so it is important to budget! Taking lunch in to work saved a lot of money and so did sharing taxis home after a night out.

14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

London has a lot of clubs and so we were never short of somewhere to go!

15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Disney have both netball and football teams that compete in a local league. They also have volunteering opportunities where you can go and help out local communities, take part in runs and help clean up the Thames.

In addition to these questions, is there any extra information you would like to leave about your experiences on your work placement that other students may be interested in?

A placement with Disney is an amazing opportunity. The best advice I can give about this placement is to put in a lot of effort and you will be rewarded. Also, take part in as much as possible throughout the year!

Review 26/41 for Walt Disney

Previous Next