NCCC Success Story

Hometown
Orlando, Florida

Degree programs
A.S. Hospitality and Service Management

Year of graduation
2014

Place of employment
Walt Disney World Resort, Disney's Animal Kingdom, Lake Buena Vista, Florida

Job Title
Quick Service Food and Beverage Co-op

Work Responsibilities
My work location was at the Pizzafari Restaurant at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. At this safari-themed restaurant, we made and served pizzas, salads, deli sandwiches and other foods for an average of between 21,000 to 30,000 guests each day. Every day we rotated around the restaurant, moving to a different position every few hours. One of the keys to success in my job is flexibility. This job definitely is helping me achieve my goal of getting my foot in the door at Disney World.

How my career relates to my degree from RIT/NTID
My passion is to work at hotels or resorts at the front desk, in entertainment, guest relations/concierge or any of the other departments of Walt Disney World, or with other companies like the Hyatt, Hilton or even Royal Caribbean Cruises. In my studies at RIT/NTID, I’ve learned time management, multi-tasking, flexibility, teamwork and people skills. By completing assignments and studying hard, I knew know how to perform both on my co-op assignment and in future employment. On my co-op, I’ve learned the importance of friendliness, a positive attitude, flexibility and perseverance when working in the hospitality field. After graduation this academic year, I plan to continue on to earn a bachelor’s degree in International Hospitality and Service Management with a concentration in Hotel and Resort Management in RIT’s College of Applied Science and Technology.

Advice
A journey of a thousand miles begins with one single step. Everything you learn in class will apply while you are working at your co-op or at future employment. Don’t give up on your dream. Strive to make a difference in yourself and it will inspire others to do the same.