Disney Internship Sharpens Skills for Ferris State Student

Austin Jackson, a graphic design student at Ferris State University's Kendall College of Art and Design, spent a semester interning at Walt Disney World. The internship was part of the university's general program, which provides career classes and networking opportunities with executives and performers across the company's brands.

Jackson worked as a vendor in the Pecos Bill area of Frontierland, focusing on guest service rather than design work. He noted that the experience was not just about daily tasks, but also about exposure, networking, and creating a positive history with the company.

One surprising aspect of Disney's design process was its deliberateness. Creators had to collaborate with park engineers, which involved months of vision boarding, concept reviews, and managing expectations to create immersive spaces.