Disney Internship Launches Career of Structural Engineer Ren

Ren's career at The Walt Disney Company has been marked by a series of twists and turns, but one thing remains constant: his passion for structural engineering. In 2013, Ren landed an internship as an Area & Facilities Engineer at Disneyland Resort, which ultimately led to a full-time role in corporate real estate.

Ren's experience as an intern was instrumental in shaping his career path. 'I knew I wanted to be a structural engineer,' he said, 'but the internship confirmed that and broadened my sense of what that career could look like.' During his internship, Ren worked on a project to redesign a vehicle gate at Disneyland, which not only honed his technical skills but also gave him a sense of pride in seeing his work come to life.

Ren's ability to communicate complex engineering concepts to non-technical teams was a valuable skill he developed during his internship. 'I quickly learned to translate structural concerns into language that non-technical partners could understand and act on,' he said. This skill has served him well in his current role as Senior Manager of Civil/Structural Engineering.

Ren's advice to prospective Disney interns is to approach the opportunity with a willingness to learn and contribute. 'Disney is rare in how much it lets early-career professionals contribute to work that millions of people will experience,' he said. With his own career serving as a testament to the potential for growth and development at Disney, Ren encourages others to take advantage of the opportunities available.