Isabella Cirincione, CatholicU Fall '24, is a Sports Management, Marketing, and Sales student from Baltimore, Maryland. She accepted a position in the Disney College Program at The Walt Disney World Company.
Briefly describe your new job opportunity.
"I am thrilled to be joining the Disney College Program in February 2025 at The Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. This role allows me to gain hands-on experience in the entertainment and hospitality industry, and I’ll have the chance to develop my skills in customer service, marketing, and operations within one of the world's leading brands in family entertainment."
How did your Busch School and Catholic University education help you find this career path?
"My education at the Busch School and Catholic University provided me with a foundation in business and a support network that inspired me to pursue my goals. I had several professors who set high expectations for all students, pushing us to strive for our best. Their encouragement helped me to view setbacks as opportunities to grow and motivated me to keep improving myself. My faith and a constant desire for self-improvement, combined with my professors' guidance, prepared me to succeed in this new chapter with the Disney College Program."
What activities were you involved in during undergrad?
"During my time at Catholic University, I was actively involved in several external internships in sports. I have also served on the Cardinal Sports Association executive board during the 2023-24 and 2024-25 school years. My internships included working with the Washington Nationals in Promotions and Events, the Washington Wizards in Group Sales, and the Aberdeen IronBirds as a Partnerships and Marketing Senior Intern. These roles allowed me to develop skills in promotions, customer service, partnerships, and event coordination. I also gained leadership experience by mentoring new interns and managing event logistics."
What were some highlights of your time at Catholic University?
"Having the opportunity to work with professors who have industry experience. My favorite classes were my sports management classes with Molly McManamon because she gave us projects that were very similar to what I did throughout my internships with the IronBirds, Wizards, and Nationals."
What advice do you have for students during their job search?
"Stay resilient and open to new opportunities. Remember that you're not too big for any job—taking on a variety of roles helps you grow and learn. If you can be a helping hand for people, do it, as this builds connections and shows your character. Take on whatever opportunities you can, and always strive to be the best at what you do, regardless of the job. There will always be people who want to see you fail; it's, unfortunately, the world we live in. But stay resilient and focused on your goals. Be uplifted by those who want to see you succeed—including yourself. Networking is key, so don’t hesitate to reach out and build connections in your desired industry. Keep faith in your abilities, even when faced with setbacks, and stay open to constructive feedback, as it can guide your growth."