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Tom Reynolds

Communications Specialist
WDW Communications

What do you do if you're stuck in Ohio during the middle of winter? Move to Florida, of course! I was a sophomore at the University of Cincinnati when I visited the Walt Disney World® Resort as a guest in 1996. During that trip, I heard about this great program that allows college students to work for a semester at the vacation capital of the world. Let's see. Real work experience. Meet new people. Live in the sunshine. Count me in!

Tom Reynolds: Monorail Pilot - Communications Specialist I started my program in January 1997, driving guests to and from their destinations on the Walt Disney World Monorail System. As a Cast Member, I learned all about this uniquely "Disney" experience. (Did you know there are 12 trains on the system? Can you name the colors?) I also learned how to say, "Por favor mantengase alejado de las puertas" like a pro. Above all, the experience taught me a thing or two about providing great guest service. It also showed me how much I had to learn about this company, opening my eyes for the first time to all the opportunities you can find here.

Fast-forward a year. I was a dedicated English major by now with a passion for writing. That's when I first heard about every writer's dream internship -
Eyes & Ears. Here I helped produce weekly issues, interviewed Cast Members at all levels of the organization, took photos and even covered the opening of Disney's Animal Kingdom® Theme Park. It was awesome! The whole experience taught me a lot about what it takes to be a great communicator. It also gave me exposure and insight into many different areas of this company.

I knew I needed more experience to help with my career, so I spent the next few years working in various positions back in Ohio. This included everything from Community Relations and Public Relations to serving on the Editorial team for a financial newsletter. Eventually, I had an opportunity to return to the Walt Disney World Resort, and I jumped at the chance.

In my current role, I serve as a communication consultant for the organization, helping various departments create and deliver messages that reach thousands of Cast Members. My advice for you is to take some time to look beyond your current position. Think about where you want to be in the future and then go for it. There are plenty of opportunities here if you're willing to work hard and meet new people. Above all, have fun in your role!

(And in case you don't know, the 12 colors are: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, black, pink, purple, coral, lime, gold and silver.)

Tom Reynolds
Communications Specialist
WDW Communications

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

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