Finance Intern Review

The past 12 months have been an amazing experience. As I worked across through two different departments, I was able to network and meet so many differnet people in different fields of work, for instance marketing, licensing and ticketing. Furthermore I was able to take part in Disney's volunteering days which meant I met other employees in different departments.

I felt extremely valued by my colleagues, as I was given alot of responsibilities I knew that they trusted me with the work they gave me.

I was given constant support and guidance from my manager, as I did not have a handover period my Manager was there to help me from the beginning. Even throughout the year, my manager was more than happy to help and answer any questions or quiries that I had.

You will never have a quiet day, working for Disney is exciting as everyday you will do something new. Quarter ends are extremely busy but I have learnt so much from those periods. It enhances your organisational, punctuality and communication skills which are key. Similarly, throughout the year as there have been so many different projects it has meant that there has always been something new to learn or a new project to take part in. This constant change is refreshing as you will gain more confidence and awareness of the different lines of business that connect to your department.

I was given a lot of responsibility during my placement year, this was also to make sure that I could meet deadlines for tasks and assignments that were assigned to me. Furthermore, as the year progressed and I became more confident in the tasks I carry out, my manager was able to then assign various tasks to me that I would carry out independently. This meant that I was able to become more confident with communicating with third parties e.g. external clients. This definitley improved my written and verbal communication skills.

The skills that I have developed over the past 12 months will definitley help me in my final year at university and when I get a job after graduation. I feel more organised, motivated and enthusiastic to complete my degree. I also believe that having this placement year, will make it easier when I join the work force once graduating. As I have already experienced the university to work transition and therefore I will be ready and more prepared.

The atmosphere was light and very welcoming. From the moment I started I felt very included in both of the departments that I worked in. As Disney's focus is entertainment, there is always something new going on in the office. Especially when there were big film releases, there would be photo opportunities with characters, photo booths etc.

It was very well organised as Disney have a large intake of placement students/interns so it is very well managed and organised by both the managers within the department and HR.

There were so many different development activities for instance the week of learning expos and 'women @ Disney' events such as the 'Lunch and Learn'. Furthermore, there are also lots of online resources on the Portal that enable you to go through different training materials.

From the people I spoke to at Disney, I found that most people were returning interns. Hence, it is common for graduates to come back to Disney if an opening is available.

The social scene is fun as you work amongst different lines of businesses it is easy to socialise and network with other employees. Similarly, throughout your placement year you will get closer to those in your team/department.

The nightlife in the area that I worked in was really good as you are very close to central london, so going in to central does not take too long as there is a direct tube line.

Disney do a yearly triathalon as well as various volunteering activities throughout the year.