Corbin Pyle is thrilled to work in the Most Magical Place on Earth.
Since January, Pyle has been part of the Disney College Program, an opportunity to work a paid internship at the Walt Disney World Resort.
'It has definitely helped me learn a lot about myself and to really just kind of get out of that shell, … out of my comfort zone,' he said.
Pyle became aware of the program through his girlfriend, Jillyssa Hamilton.
'After she completed her program, she continued working for Disney as a recruiter,' he said.
When he originally applied, he gave his top three choices for what he wanted to do: Photopass photographer, working the attractions or being part of Disney transportation.
His first assignment: custodial work at EPCOT.
'Now that I have been doing custodial, I don't think I would have enjoyed any of those other roles nearly as much as I have enjoyed this role,' he said.
Pyle took it as an opportunity to 'really just go and talk to strangers.'
'My favorite part about this role is getting to just go out of my way and talk to people, even if it's helping with directions or just small talk about where they're from, it's so much fun,' Pyle said.
Pyle, who graduated from Tioga High School in 2020, has been attending his classes from Grayson College remotely.
He also has the opportunity to take courses in Florida during his time in the Disney College Program.
'Disney offers these really cool classes,' he said. 'It can range from a lot of things, like learning sign language to learning about conservation … to learning and meet-and-greets with famous people in Disney that essentially they're talking about professionalism and building your career.'
Pyle has loved the experience so much that he applied for an extension to the six-month program, which was accepted, so he will stay on until January.
In April, he will be moving to Disney transportation, getting the chance to drive the Minnie Vans.
Pyle, who had been to Disney World three times and Disneyland once before the program, loves the perks of his internship.
'With my time off, I can go and enjoy the parks as a guest,' he said. 'Honestly, it's very rewarding and it's really fun to go to the parks with your time off. … It's a whole other experience going to the parks [as] an employee for Disney. … You have the time to see it all.'
He would encourage anyone to apply for the program.
'You don't really get to experience something like this anywhere else, because you are working with so many people that are your age,' Pyle said. 'You're working with so many people from around the world, especially the international programmers. That's really cool to see firsthand.'
For more information about the program, visit disneycareers.com/en/ disney-college-program.
