Natalie Pisch ‘19 is bound for the most magical place on earth. In August, the psychology major, economics and neuroscience minor will be moving to Lake Buena Vista, Florida, to participate in the Disney College Program for six months.
“Walt Disney World is my favorite place in the world, and it has always been a dream of mine to work for the Walt Disney Company in some capacity,” said Pisch. Perhaps surprisingly, this is a dream that she fostered during her time at Haverford as well.
“I became even more interested in working for the Walt Disney Company after writing a research paper on the executive leadership of the company for my ‘Management and Leadership’ class taught by [Visiting Professor of Economics and Independent College Programs] Neal Grabell,” she said. “I admired the growth and development of the company and the overall ethos and mission, so I am very excited to work for the company.”
Specifically, she will be working in attractions, “which can include rides, shows, parades, and other guest experiences.”
“One of the most important facets of my role in attractions is effective communication,” she noted. “With Haverford’s small class sizes, I had ample opportunities to hone my public speaking and presentation skills from freshman year writing seminar to senior thesis presentations. Additionally, my experience as a member and two-year captain of the varsity volleyball team helped to develop my teamwork and leadership skills, which will be essential working as part of the Walt Disney World Parks team.”
Beyond working in the parks, though, Pisch’s tenure at the Disney College Program will also involve enrollment in leadership courses and opportunities to network with various corporate leaders.
“I am looking forward to working in the ‘most magical place on earth,’ but I am even more enticed by the opportunity to network with and learn from professional mentors from one of the world’s most influential production and media companies,” said Pisch.
In the long-term, she imagines herself working in marketing and branding. “I am very interested in human behavior and choices,” she said, and marketing provides an exciting place to explore the nuances and consequences of human decision-making. The Disney College Program will give her the opportunity to meet and network with professionals who are considering these questions every day within the context of entertainment and media.
Pisch’s enthusiasm at working for Disney comes as part of a larger life philosophy she honed in college. “One of the most important lessons I learned at Haverford is to be open to unique and unexpected opportunities and pursue them with confidence,” she said. “I am entirely open to any interesting opportunities that come my way.”
“Where They’re Headed” is a blog series reporting on the post-collegiate plans of recent Haverford graduates.