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Stacy Shoff

"No, I'm sorry, we don't have rum raisin, just the six flavors listed on the menu."

That was my most distinct memory of working at the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor on Main Street, U.S.A. during my first College Program. I couldn't believe how many Magic Kingdom® Guests would stand in line for 15-20 minutes and never think to look at the menu. My role as a Quick-Service Foods Hostess in the spring of 1997 was my first encounter working in foodservice, and while at times it was tough, in the end it was a great growth experience. Plus, it was unbelievably fun being a Cast Member!

In fact, I had so much fun, I came back for two more programs. Thanks to those work experiences, I ended up on a whole new career path. In the spring of 1998, I did an Advanced Internship* with the Walt Disney World Library & Research Center. I had such a good time answering questions for Guests at the Epcot® Discovery Center - which was part of the department at the time - as well as helping other Cast Members with research in the library, that I didn't want to leave. I had never even thought about a career in libraries before, but ended up going back to school after that semester with a new enthusiasm for the field.

Inspired by my Disney experience, I decided to work at a research and information hotline at my university during my last two semesters. After graduating, I headed back to the Walt Disney World Resort for an Advanced Internship* in Entertainment Planning & Development. There, I conducted research for new Entertainment projects and worked in the Entertainment Resource Center, a fantastic library with fascinating materials.

At the end of that internship, in a perfect example of being in the right place at the right time, my manager from my first internship called me with an offer to be a full-time staff member. I jumped at the chance to join the Walt Disney World Library & Research Center team permanently. It was thanks to the College Program and my internships, that I was able to find a permanent place among the Walt Disney World Cast. And those internships really are what set me toward a career in librarianship. I even just finished my master's degree in Library & Information Science, thanks to the terrific educational reimbursement program the Disney company offers its Cast.

This month, I'm celebrating five years with Walt Disney World Co., and I have loved every minute of it. I am a big advocate of the College Program and the opportunities it presents. It serves as the stepping-off point for many Cast Members' careers.

Stacy Shoff
Walt Disney World Library & Research Center

* "Advanced Internships" and "Management Internship"s are now called "Professional Internships". Additional information is available here.

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