Students Share Takeaways from Disney Leadership Seminar
"We visited all four parks at Walt Disney World and experienced two Disney Imagination Campus seminars and multiple guest lectures. Each day was different, but all were equally educational, engaging and magical."
There is "a plethora of opportunities" awaiting students at Point Park University, from experiential learning to networking with professionals involved in well-known organizations, according to Danielle Eggert '23 '25.
"A perfect example would be the Disney Leadership Seminar," she said. "Students get to engage in experiential learning through an immersive academic experience at Walt Disney World Resort. Our incredible Disney leadership team at Point Park has created such strong relationships with Disney to make this program possible."
Eggert, an alumna of the Human Resources Management program and current graduate student in the M.A. in Organizational Leadership program, was among a group of eight students from the Rowland School of Business, School of Arts & Sciences and School of Communication who spent the semester learning about Disney's approach to leadership and then traveled to the most magical place on Earth to network with Disney leaders, participate in educational workshops and, of course, enjoy the parks.
"The relationship that Point Park has built with Disney is unique and provides many opportunities for students," Eggert said. "Having connections to executive members of Disney is not something every university can claim. Point Park goes above and beyond with their commitment to inclusivity, innovation and experiential learning – something every student should be able to experience."
In the Q&A below, hear from Eggert and other students who participated in the 2024 Disney Leadership Seminar.
Danielle Eggert '23 '25
Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pa.
High School: Baldwin High School
Why did you enroll in the Disney Leadership Seminar course?
While the course is designed for undergraduate students, I was offered the opportunity to help organize and plan our trip as the graduate assistant for the Department of Management in the Rowland School of Business. I worked alongside Professors Patrick Mulvihill and Sandy Mervosh and others to market this amazing opportunity to students. I loved being able to design flyers, post on the Rowland School of Business' Disney Leadership Seminar Instagram and take on responsibility for the overall organization of the trip. So much detail was put into this trip, and I loved being able to help promote it and watch the program grow and develop.
What did your trip entail?
We visited all four parks at Walt Disney World and experienced two Disney Imagination Campus seminars and multiple guest lectures. Each day was different, but all were equally educational, engaging and magical. Every encounter with Disney cast members was consistently pleasant and informative. We experienced many opportunities for hands-on learning, and I enjoyed getting to know the undergraduate students who attended the trip. I loved riding some of the newer rides and enjoyed the diverse array of food throughout the parks. The trip was the perfect balance of educational, interactive, collaborative and engaging with the opportunity to still explore our individual interests throughout the parks.
How has this experience impacted your understanding of leadership and business management?
Disney leaders embody the mission, vision and values of Disney, all while instilling a common purpose within their employees. Disney prioritizes collaboration, effective communication and diversity throughout their teams, and it is certainly shown through their success. No matter the job title, Disney treats their employees equally as valued members of the organization. Being such a large organization, Disney must employ accountable leaders who aim to unite team members through a shared purpose. I learned the importance of understanding personal leadership skills and styles, as well as the integral part that team collaboration plays in problem-solving.
Matthew Harris '24
Major: Economics and Finance
Minor: Business Management
Hometown: Hermitage, Pa.
High School: Hickory High School
Leading up to the trip to Disney, what did you learn from the course?
I learned a lot about Walt Disney, the plans he envisioned for the park, the logistics behind how the parks operate, the drivers behind Disney's enduring success and, simply put, why everything is a certain way at the parks. For example, a study showed that people are likely to drop their trash if they have to carry it more than 20 feet, so every 20 feet there is a garbage can in the parks. A lot of research and data like this inform Disney's operations.
How has this course and trip impacted your understanding of leadership and business management?
This course significantly impacted my understanding of leadership and business management in a positive way. It helped me to understand that everyone is important when it comes to running a business. Adequate training and making people feel valued are crucial to any company's success. During our trip, we met Lee Cockerell, former executive vice president of operations at the resort, and he spoke to us about some of his experiences and management insights. As a CEO or head of a company, one does not always know what’s going on, especially in a large company like Disney, so leaders need to make sure they have someone in charge who is thoroughly trained and trustworthy. Additionally, when someone feels wanted and important at a job, there is a greater chance they will stay passionate and loyal to the business, which is vital to any company's talent retention rate. Leadership isn’t always about managing the company. It's about being more than a boss to employees so they don't feel their job is a burden or dread it.
Why would you recommend Point Park to a prospective student?
While we are located in the city, we still have a small campus feel and are in walking distance of several companies downtown that offer opportunities to students every semester. I have toured many companies downtown during my time here, and I'll be starting a job at one of them after graduation. I would also recommend Point Park because of its degree programs and faculty. The professors genuinely care about your future and want you to be better. Point Park offers different courses for students to expand their horizons and learn about a variety of topics. I would also recommend Point Park because of the improvements being made on campus. Over the last four years, buildings and facilities have continued to improve. Additionally, many of our sports teams have improved to winning records, and the University is looking into moving to NCAA Division II next year.
Xiomara Sanchez '26
Major: Human Resources Management
Hometown: Port Saint Lucie, Fla.
High School: Port Saint Lucie High School
Why did you enroll in the Disney Leadership Seminar course?
I intend to continue my education and obtain my master’s degree in human resources management with a focus on organizational leadership. The course fits my needs to continue my professional development. Besides, who could say no to a university trip to Disney during spring break AND the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival?
What were some of the highlights of the trip?
We were fortunate to sign up for a theme park design workshop and a leadership workshop. The theme park design workshop was an interesting experience, considering they are in the process of making updates to the Magic Kingdom and EPCOT.
One of my favorite parts was when we met with Lee Cockerell. He shared his wisdom with us and gifted us autographed copies of his book, "Time Management Magic: How to Get More Done Every Day and Move from Surviving to Thriving." We learned to be mindful of habits that can create waves of potentially permanent change. We learned the importance of acknowledging behaviors, and that includes leading down the chain of command and holding those accountable. As advised by Mr. Cockerell himself, "Be dependable and follow through in your actions."
I have always been a foodie, so of course I have to say the food was a highlight of the trip. I also enjoyed meeting and obtaining character autographs from some of my favorite characters.
Why would you recommend Point Park to a prospective student?
Without a doubt, I would highly recommend Point Park. I was drawn to the flexibility of their class schedules. I enrolled in the 4+1 Human Resources Management program, which allows me to complete my bachelor's degree online and pursue my master's degree, a convenient path that is also saving me some tuition costs. Additionally, when you start at Point Park, you do not start alone. There is a whole team behind the scenes waiting to help guide you to complete your degree and obtain your dream job!
More About: human resource management, interdisciplinary studies, School of Arts and Sciences, economics and finance, graduate programs, business management, faculty, student trips, sports, arts and entertainment management, Rowland School of Business, organizational leadership