Top skills gained on a placement year with Disney

Marketing Management student, Emily Birch, recently spent a year at Disney Destinations International (DDI) as a Creative and CRM Intern, working on exciting campaigns for globally recognised brands like Disneyland Paris, Disney Cruise Line, and Disney World Florida.

Read on to discover how this placement helped her grow both personally and professionally—and her advice for students considering a placement year.

Life as a Creative and CRM Intern at Disney

During her placement, Emily played a key role in designing and delivering marketing campaigns for Disney’s top brands.

“My role involved creating design briefs, managing CRM systems, and assisting with email campaigns. I even led projects from start to finish, such as developing and sending customer emails. Seeing my ideas come to life and reach thousands of people was really rewarding.”

Collaborating with creative agencies, she worked on style guides, visuals, and campaign feedback while gaining a deeper understanding of destination marketing.

What is a typical day like on placement?

For Emily, no two days were the same. While some days were spent brainstorming with teams on major campaigns, others focused on independent tasks like preparing briefs for agencies.

“There were so many opportunities to network and develop professionally. I even visited TikTok and Amazon offices. Communication was a big part of my role, whether it was managing projects, briefing teams, or attending meetings with colleagues at all levels.”

Did your placement year meet your expectations?

Working at Disney during its 100th anniversary added a touch of magic to her placement experience.

“I got to meet Disney characters in the office, attend exciting events, and even visit Disneyland Paris for a weekend to experience the magic firsthand. Being part of a large cohort of interns also made the experience even more special.”

What skills are developed during a placement?

Placements are an excellent opportunity to develop both technical and transferable skills. For this intern, these included:

• Time management
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Public speaking

“My manager encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone, which helped me develop confidence and adaptability. Placements are a fantastic stepping stone – no one expects you to be an expert, the focus is on your growth.”, Emily explained.

What challenges are faced on placement?

Like many students, Emily faced some challenges early on due to the high level of autonomy in her role.

“It was initially daunting, but I used the support systems at Disney and the university to overcome it. I knew as a Brighton student that the Careers & Employability team and my course leader were always there to guide me, from applying for placements to navigating my responsibilities.”

What made Disney such a great placement employer?

Working for a global brand like Disney came with unique perks and opportunities:

“The office environment was amazing. I hosted events like Veganuary campaigns, clothing swaps for Sustainability Month, and even planned an office sports day with fellow interns for Wellbeing Week. These experiences allowed me to step outside my job description, lead projects, and network across the business.”

Emily’s favourite moments included meeting Disney characters, attending early screenings of new releases, and experiencing the magic of Disneyland Paris firsthand.

Advice for Future Placement Students

1. Be persistent: “Keep applying, and don’t hesitate to reach out directly to companies you’re passionate about.”
2. Network: “While online job portals are helpful, networking can open unexpected doors.”
3. Embrace mistakes: “Placements are all about learning, so don’t be afraid to try new things and grow.”

How did the University of Brighton help you with your search

Emily credits the Careers & Employability team and academic staff for helping her secure and succeed in her placement.

“The Careers team helped me with my CV and cover letter, and my tutors provided continuous support throughout my placement year. Platforms like Careers Connect made finding opportunities much easier. A special shout-out to my course leader Liz, who supported me throughout”

How can a placement help clarify career goals?

Reflecting on her placement year, Emily says she feels more prepared and excited about her future.

“I’d love to return to Disney or work in the entertainment or travel industry. The placement confirmed my passion for marketing—it’s so rewarding to work in a field you love.”

Book a 1-1 with the placements team today!

A placement year is more than just work experience—it’s an opportunity to gain real-world skills, explore career options, and make unforgettable memories.

At the University of Brighton, our Careers & Employability team can support you every step of the way.

Book a 1-1 session on Careers Connect to get personalised advice and guidance on finding your perfect placement.