Claudia Craik
By Claudia Craik, BSc Management student
If you had told me two years ago that I would be working for Disney, I wouldn’t have believed you. It always felt like one of those unreachable companies – the kind you dream about but never expect to actually join. But one thing I have learnt this year is that nothing is truly out of reach if you just go for it.
Finding the placement
I first came across the role on Higherin (previously known as Rate My Placement), although it was definitely one that everyone around me seemed to be talking about at the time.
The recruitment process began in November of 2023, when I submitted my CV and cover letter online. About a week later, I was invited to complete a psychometric test, followed by a bit of radio silence. By that point, the case of corporate ghosting was starting to feel like a rite of passage - until December, when I got a call inviting me to interview.
The interview tested a wide range of skills and while it definitely pushed me, I actually found the process really enjoyable. A few days later, I got the call to say I had been successful – definitely one of those unforgettable moments.
Life on placement
During my time at Disney, I worked as a commercial and marketing intern for Disney Destinations International. It was an incredibly varied role - no two days were ever the same.
One day I could be working with agencies to deliver marketing and sales content for Walt Disney World and Disney Cruise Line, and the next, I’d be managing multi-million pound budgets, supporting with high celebrity profile PR trips, or preparing reports for senior leadership. The fast-paced mix of creative, commercial, and analytical work gave me such a broad understanding of how a global company like Disney operates.
A big highlight was visiting Disneyland Paris for a pop-up event we had created. Seeing the park in action and the joy it brings to people every day was such a surreal, full-circle moment and a reminder of the impact the hard work has.
However, what made the year truly magical were the people - working with genuine and supportive people every day makes work not even seem like work.
Outside the office
A big chunk of my placement was spent living in London, which made it even more special. I got to explore the city with my new intern friends, finding new spots to enjoy at weekends and after work (and still managed to pop back to Nottingham when the FOMO kicked in).
My top tips
Taking a year out was definitely a bit daunting at first. It’s strange watching your friends sign for houses and plan final year without you, and there’s always that worry that things will move on while you’re away. But honestly, I couldn’t recommend it more. A placement year gives you so much experience, confidence, and clarity about what you actually want to do (or not want to do!) - I’d tell everyone to go for it.
My top tips for anyone applying for a placement
- Get in early - roles go fast, so don’t wait until deadline day
- Stay organised - track your applications; it’ll save you so much stress
- Use the placement team - seriously, they’re unmatched
- Be yourself - sounds cliché, but companies can tell when you’re genuine
- Don’t give up - rejections happen, but you will find the right fit
The biggest thing I learned? Nothing is out of reach. I applied for about 30 placements before landing this one, and there were definitely moments where I thought it just wasn’t going to happen. But if there’s one thing this year has taught me, it’s that persistence pays off.
Working for Disney was a dream come true - not just for the brand, but for the people, experiences, and lessons that came with it. It’s a year I’ll never forget, and one that’s left me feeling excited for whatever comes next.
If your course doesn't offer a placement year, find out about the optional Placement Year programme. Need help with sourcing vacancies for your placement year or making applications, book an appointment with us and we can help you every step of the way.
Posted on Thursday 6th November 2025