Inspire, Summer 2011

“One of the most important lessons I learned from my Disney experience is that your job needs to be something you enjoy.” I had completed my junior year at Cedarville as a finance major and had an internship lined up with a bank in Orlando. Due to financial cutbacks, however, they could no longer support my summer internship. I enjoy acting and dancing, so I went to a casting call and proceeded through the rigorous audition. Shortly afterward, they called with good news. I was stunned to learn I had been selected to join Entertainment as a cast member. My orientation included learning the intricacies of my role such as walking, talking, and acting to entertain the thousands of guests I saw every day. Transforming from Michael Batts into my on-stage Disney role was challenging for me at first, but I really got into playing my part. Getting into costume required attention to detail as everything about that costume had to be just right. Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo Disney has specific terminology that frames its organizational culture. For example, Disney does not have employees; it has “cast members.” Many cast members who interact with guests “on stage” will be in a “costume” — this includes attractions hosts, food vendors, and the custodial hosts. Cast members are committed to staying in character and playing their parts. The goal is to build a seamless experience for guests to enjoy that Disney refers to as “creating the magic.” I’m not talking about castles in the sky; each day at Disney parks, actual castles with actual princes and princesses are just part of how Disney immerses guests in some of their favorite stories. The Perfect Fit The skills I learned at Disney perfectly applied in my other entertainment job — firing up Cedarville fans as the Yellow Jacket mascot. I was able to apply many of the non-verbal communication techniques I learned to energize the crowd at basketball games and take the Yellow Jacket character to the next level. One of the most important lessons I learned from my Disney experience is that your job needs to be something you enjoy. Every day after I left work, I remember saying, “I can’t believe I get paid for this.” It was definitely the best summer job I’d ever had. I enjoy making people smile, and now I’ve made that my career. After graduation in May, I took a new job in Disney’s finance department. It is the largest, most professional business I have ever seen. I am truly inspired by the hard work and dedication by everyone here. Working behind the scenes is a lot different from being on stage, but it’s nice to have seen firsthand the smiles on guests’ faces and to know that everyone’s hard work contributes to their overall experience. I never thought that being an entertainer at Disney would help me launch a career in finance, but the lessons I learned during my summer job have certainly helped me understand the Disney culture and realize the importance of every supporting role. I look forward to what the future holds with the company and what other surprises might be right around the corner. Because in a “magical” place like Disney, you never know what role you’ll play next. Michael Batts, Jr., ’11 recently graduated with a degree in finance and lives in Orlando, Florida. You may contact him at battman1010@aol.com. CEDARVILLE UNIVERSITY 17 my cedarv i l le