Did Garrett Zur land a “Mickey Mouse” job?

Yes and no.

The senior organizational communication major did spend the fall semester at the home of the world’s most revered rodent, but the experience gained at Walt Disney Resort near Orlando, Fla., was invaluable.

“The Disney College Program was a life-changing opportunity for me,” said Zur. “I met people from all over the world, including Scotland, Brazil, China, Italy, and Finland and the U.S. from states such as Connecticut, Texas, Michigan, and California. I am proud to say that I am part of the Disney family.”

Disney interns are paid, get a chance to work with world-renowned business leaders and gain transferable skills, including relationship building, problem solving, and written and verbal communication.

He heard about the program while vacationing with friends at Walt Disney Resort.

“I checked out the program’s Web site, liked what I saw, and decided to apply,” said Zur, an Endicott resident. “I first went to Disney in 2007 and fell in love with the fantasy of the place; Disney really is the most magical place on Earth. The idea to work there and create magic for guests sounded like an awesome idea. It is something not many people can say they have done.”

From August 2008 to January 2009, Zur stayed in an apartment complex about 10 minutes from the entrance to downtown Disney. He served as a cashier, stocker, and runner. As a runner, Zur delivered packages to the resort and local homes. He also collected hangers from behind the registers, and “learned about the Disney company and what it offers, all while having fun.

“I worked in the Magic Kingdom at the Emporium, the busiest retail shop on Disney property,” said Zur. “I was there during the busiest time of the year, and it was not only an accomplishment for me, but I earned Field Period credit as well.”

Following in Zur’s footsteps will be freshman Allie Waye-Walker, who will participate in the Disney College Program in August. She, too, will earn Field Period credit.