The Journey of Two Disney Cast Members — From College to Corporate
For Disney Cast Members Bryan Wardian and Victoria Powers, part of their Disney journey has involved always having a friend by their side.
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
A decade after working together in the Disney College Programs, the two friends now find themselves as corporate colleagues with the same company that provided some of their fondest memories.
Bryan’s Story
Bryan Wardian is now a Manager of Program Management with DPEP Technology and Digital, but that is a long way from his Disney story. Bryan originally completed multiple Disney College Programs and two Disney Internships before joining the company full-time.
Photo: Also Disney Parks Blog
During his Disney career, Bryan worked in Disney Live Entertainment, project management, and helped develop various digital projects. In his current role, he works as chief of staff to a Senior Vice President of Products and Experiences.
Image: Disney
“The experience and connections I made have taken me to places I couldn’t have dreamed of,” he reflects.
Victoria’s Story
Victoria, who is a Communications Manager, took a different path. After the College Program ended, she stayed on with Disney Entertainment until leaving the company to attend college.
After graduation, she worked in the aviation and entertainment industries before joining Disney again in 2021. Part of her excitement in returning to Disney came from the fact that she would get to work with Brian again.
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
“When I started looking to rejoin the company, Bryan was my biggest cheerleader and so supportive throughout the interview process,” Victoria shares. “I love the fact that now we’re in meetings together but still get to spend our weekends eating corn dog nuggets on Main Street or debating which resort on the property has the best iced coffee.”
Learning from the Disney College Program
Both Bryan and Victoria credit the Disney Programs for teaching them important skills that they continue to use today.
Image Credit: Disney Programs
“You may think, ‘What translates from dancing down Main Street to a corporate role?’ But the skills and self-confidence I gained throughout those years has definitely benefitted me in my career. When I’m in meetings or hosting Zoom calls, I’m comfortable in front of a crowd or presenting in front of executives. I’m quick on my feet when questions are asked thanks to the improv skills I learned.”
Bryan agrees. “From my College Program and Intern roles, I learned how to talk to people. Public speaking was always nerve-wracking for me. Having so many roles where I had to talk to new people constantly really stripped down the nerves and built my confidence.”
Still the Same
When talking to current Disney Program enrollees, Bryan and Victoria emphasize that networking is key.
“So many people within the company started on the College Program and we’re more than happy to help others out in the same position.”
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
Despite how far their careers have come, Victoria insists that she and Bryan are the same people they were back in their College Program days.
“Bryan and I met when we were both still teenagers trying to figure out what we wanted to do with our lives spending all our paychecks on spirit jerseys. Now we’re adults who have corporate jobs and own homes and still spend our money on spirit jerseys,” she quips.
To learn more about the Disney College Program visit https://jobs.disneycareers.com/disney-programs.
