The MBA Student Voice

Mentors + New Job

Let's talk about mentors.  I'm a big proponent of hustling and carving your own way, but I'm also a huge advocate for cultivating mentor relationships.  I like to think of my life as a garden, and while I ultimately get to decide which seeds to plant, mentors have given me invaluable advice on how to achieve the tastiest vegetables.

Pictured above are two of my mentors, Jen and Paula, at an Anderson x Disney mixer we helped co-host.  They're both Anderson alumni and current Disney cast members who have helped shape my career into what it is today.

Jennifer Roth Dickerson (FEMBA '12): Jen entered my life while I was only a first year and she's been an amazing mentor and friend.  She helped me secure my internship and resulting full-time job, gave me advice on how to navigate the landscape here at Disney, and it's been great to see how our relationship has developed.  I'm extremely grateful to have her as a part of my circle, and we still regularly meet for happy hour or lunches.

Paula McMahon (EMBA '12): Paula is a VP at DI Media and we were paired up when I first started.  Sometimes paired mentor relationships can fizzle out, but we're actually very compatible, and she's given me everything from emotional guidance to great pieces of advice.  One of the earliest (but one of the most impactful) nuggets of wisdom she gave me was when she told me to fly up to SF to visit the LucasFilm team.  I was new and hesitant to spend money on Travel & Expenses.  However, I took her advice, and that face time with the team was crucial in establishing my relationship with them and it lead to an easier working relationship down the line.

Some Advice: People often ask me for advice about how to maintain a strong mentor relationship, and I would say that the most important thing to remember is that mentoring is a two-way street- you have to invest in the relationship as well.  And, I really encourage that you pay it forward and mentor others as well.

New Job: Speaking of mentors, they've been so important to my career so far, and they're how I was recently able to make the jump to a new position at DI Media.  I know it's only been 7-8 months at Disney full-time, but I couldn't resist when it was offered to me!  As my new role, I'll be the Chief of Staff to the SVP of DI Media, focusing on strategy and brand.  Basically, I get to run around and do special projects for our business unit.  I'll definitely keep you all posted on how it goes, but I'm excited!

 

This Is The App You're Looking For

Fun fact: I actually became a "fake FEMBA" and started my full-time job at Disney before I graduated.

Although it was hard balancing both work and school (I don't know how FEMBAs do it!), I couldn't pass up my dream job.

So what do I do?  My job title is Marketing and Operations Manager and I work within Disney Interactive Media.  Disney Interactive Media provides Disney fans with new ways to experience their favorite stories and characters through various digital platforms.  Currently, my main responsibilities include managing the Disney, Star Wars and Babble brand guides, marketing efforts for DI Media's suite of mobile apps and our team's budget and analytics

Recently, I've helped launch two new apps- Disney GIF and the official Star Wars App.  App launches are always one of the most exhilarating experiences- you work behind the scenes to put everything together and it's thrilling once the product is in someone's hands and you're able to see their responses to it.  And, both of these apps are so different that each had it's own set of quirks and learnings.

Disney GIF:

Disney GIF is a messaging keyboard that allows people to express their emotions in a whole new way and send GIFs to their friends and family.  This app is constantly adding more content and it has a wide range of IP including Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars.  I work very closely with mobile product, content programming, and synergy for this app to make sure everyone is in sync and on the same page.

Star Wars App:

The official mobile connection to a galaxy far, far way.  This app not only has the latest news and a slew of other features, but it also has a selfie experience and my personal favorite, Star Wars emojis. I  work really closely with the LucasFilm team on this app, and it's only going to get more interesting closer to the release of the next Star Wars movie in December.

So, there it is- a look at what I do.  I'm having a lot of fun at Disney, and bonus- there are a ton of Anderson alumni here!

 

 

Mouse Ears On!

As the inaugural blog post, I just wanted to say hello and introduce myself.  I'm a recent full-time grad of the class of 2015 and currently doing Marketing and Operations for Disney Interactive in their Media division.  In my subsequent posts, I'll share more in depth about my job, my mentors, and life in general post-grad.

To get to know me a bit better, here's a couple of things about myself:

• I'm a double Bruin and bleed blue and gold
• I live with another Anderson alum who works at Mattel
• I was a "fake FEMBA" and started my full-time job before I graduated
• I've never met a donut I didn't like

And, here's what to expect from my blog posts:

• Plenty of Disney (and Star Wars!) references
• Random alumni cameos
• An honest look at life working at the House of Mouse

I look forward to writing these posts and connecting with all of you!