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Michael Putz
Manager, College and International Program
Housing
My family will tell you, from the first time we visited the Walt Disney World® Resort in 1972, that I was destined for a career with Mickey Mouse. I remember staying at Disney's Polynesian Resort, eating dinner at Papeetee Bay as an 8-year-old kid, I was mesmerized looking over Seven Seas Lagoon at Cinderella Castle. I knew then I wanted to be part of the magic.
It wasn't until my junior year in college at Iowa State University that I had an opportunity to return on my own to explore. While the rest of Iowa State was headed to Ft. Lauderdale for Spring Break (Back then, it was the Spring Break hot spot.), I spent my week at Walt Disney World. I was in heaven! I knew this was the best place to put my degree in Hotel, Restaurant and Institution Management to the test.
Imagine my surprise when, back at school, I saw that Walt Disney World Recruiters would be on campus hiring for the Magic Kingdom® College Program. I was even more surprised when I saw my sister at the presentation. My surprise turned to shock the next morning, when my sister and I interviewed for the program together. Thank goodness we both made the cut. We loaded up my car and headed to Florida in May of 1987.
I spent the summer working in every Food & Beverage role at the
Disney Inn. I was sold!
About a month prior to the end of the program, I heard about an opening in the Food & Beverage Fall Supervisor Program. This was my opportunity. I interviewed with our general manager and was selected.
On Jan. 3, 1988, after completing my program at Disney's Polynesian Resort, I became an Assistant Supervisor in Food & Beverage. My next nine years would be a whirlwind of activity, as I had the privilege to work in Food & Beverage at the Polynesian, Contemporary, Caribbean Beach and Old Key West resorts, as well as Pleasure Island. I had incredible opportunities to open Typhoon Lagoon, the Yacht & Beach Resort, Euro Disney and Castaway Cay with Disney Cruise Line.
While on my second "tour of duty" at Typhoon Lagoon, I transitioned to Operations and worked at all three water parks (River Country was still one, way back when.) and mini-golf. I didn't think life could get any better.
About two and a half years ago, I joined the Downtown Disney® team as Operations Manager. How awesome to experience Pleasure Island once again! Then, three months ago, yet another exciting opportunity - my current role as Operations Manager for College and International Program Operations. Wow! What a great learning. We are constantly looking for new ways to ensure a quality, safe experience for all our participants.
I remember the menagerie of emotions going through my head that first day in May of 1987 when I arrived (with my sister in tow). What an incredible opportunity for me now to make a difference and let each group of arrivals know they too will be taking a journey that will change them.
Michael Putz
Manager, College and International Program
Housing
