What makes Disney World tick? IU Kokomo Business Administration student Amil Valladarez can tell you. He spent three days at Disney World, immersed in Disney activities visitors don’t see. As part of the Disney KEY leadership experience, he was immersed in the whole backstage Disney experience—running the parks, management, finance, business administration, catering, guest relations, security—and delivering the experience of joy.
Leadership behind the scenes
“The entire experience was incredible. Immersive,” says Valladarez. “We worked and talked with reps from Disney. We saw what it takes to keep a complex organization going. Days were filled with team projects, conversation, leadership, and collaboration. Working behind the scenes at Disney is an amazing experience for students in business and related fields. And at the same time, we also learned a lot about our own selves, and about finding opportunities to open our minds to different areas.”
Preparation for the future
“All aspects of the core Disney experience directly apply to my current job as a compliance administrator at a small Bloomington electric company. The real-world experience of leadership across the many aspects of the business and hospitality fields, from finance to guest relations, is also great preparation for my own future in leadership. You can put this on your resume. For your next employer, it counts as actual experience.”
Workplace supports learning
“My company is very supportive. It’s fully behind employees who want to continue their education. They allow time during my workday for schoolwork and meetings. My supervisor is amazing. He said, ‘Your classes and the Disney experience feed back into the way you do your job at work. You’re giving back to the company.’ It feels great to be doing a better job!”
IU Kokomo supports student experience
“This opportunity with Disney arose thanks to my School of Business professor Gloria Preece, through her class Marketing and Integrated Communications. I just happened to pay attention to the right email. It said: ‘We are thrilled to announce a unique experimental learning experience for School of Business students: the IUK KEY Disney Program.’ I got more info and applied. I’m so glad I did! My school even helped cover part of the whole cost—a big plus for students on a budget.”
Read your email!
“One big takeaway from this: If I’d missed that email, I’d have missed this incredible opportunity. We get a lot of email from school and it’s easy to gloss over some of it. Students, read your email, or you’ll miss communications about leadership programs like this!”
Invest in your mentors. Build your networks.
“Use your resources! I’ve been very lucky to have had great mentors at IU Online. Gloria Preece, along with being my connection to Disney, was always available to help with classes and coursework. Preece, Professor Adam Smith, and my academic advisors were integral parts of my making the right decisions on what classes to take.
“At Disney I met Gwendolyn Rogers, the founder of the famous Cake Bake Shop Bakery on the Disney World BoardWalk. She emphasized the huge role networking played in bringing her products into Disney. ‘Keep networking!’ she said. ‘You never know who’s going to help you propel your business venture further. And it’s fun.’ People I worked with at Disney are now part of my network, along with fellow students who shared the experience, and Professors Preece and Smith.
“Be intentional about connecting with other students and professors. Your profs want to talk to you, so visit office hours. Ask questions. If you see an opportunity for an internship, workshop, training, or study abroad, consider it. Maybe your campus or employer can help with costs. Just apply and see what happens. I did and it was exceptional! And read your university email! It’s your main source of communication. Without that one email, I’d have missed Disney!"
What’s next?
Valladarez is a senior, graduating in spring 2025. “After a break, I’ll likely go back for a Master’s in Business Administration, possibly with IU Online’s well-regarded program. I’m also interested in human resources and SPEA, and perhaps combining some aspect of business administration with sustainability in a government-based project that could have a global impact. My experience with IU Online has opened myriad options. All prepare me for a bright future!”
