Meet the spring DisneyExaminer interns + Summer Internship Announcement!

Zeila Edrial

These past few months with DisneyExaminer sped by and I garnered many memorable experiences as I worked on stories about The Walt Disney Company. It all started in February with a phone call by the editor-in-chief, Jordan, requesting an interview. I had already secured a different internship and was set to start in less than two weeks, but I figured, hey – it wouldn’t hurt to check it out.

I felt at ease from the start. The interview was set at Earl of Sandwich in Downtown Disney. Jordan and I were joined by a fellow staff writer, Tami. They gave me a chance to talk about myself and get to know me before they delved into details about DisneyExaminer.

I learned about the different divisions that DisneyExaminer covered and about their close relationship with Disney publicists. Their passion and love for Disney was obvious. They talked about past events they covered, and future ones they had planned to attend, such as the Captain America: The Winter Soldier junket.

As I listened to Jordan and Tami, I realized DisneyExaminer was a company that I wanted to grow with and help expand. But as I mentioned before, I had already secured a different internship. So I returned home and thought it over for a few days. Then I made my decision. I contacted my previous internship and withdrew my acceptance, then called Jordan to say I was on board. I have not regretted my decision since then.

My first assignment was to write character bios for the upcoming Muppets Most Wanted movie. I had the opportunity to attend the press junket and see Tina Fey, Kermit the Frog and other celebrities in person. I also put my Disney pass to good use by visiting Disneyland and Disney California Adventure several times for stories. I met several Disney publicists throughout my internship and developed friendships with DisneyExaminer staff as we worked together.

But despite all the fun, I had to maintain a level of professionalism. There were weekly pitch meetings and story deadlines. I had to execute good time management to get everything done between other obligations. However, it was all worth it. I would swell with pride whenever I saw one of my stories published on the DisneyExaminer website.

I am grateful for having the chance to work with the DisneyExaminer staff. They gave me the opportunity to learn so much about The Walt Disney Company.

Sharon Sumrit

Interning with DisneyExaminer has been hands down, one of the best experiences that I’ve ever been blessed with. I already accepted an internship prior to working with DisneyExaminer but when I received the phone call from the Bossman Jordie, the Disney fan and lover inside me just couldn’t pass up such an amazing opportunity. So for the Spring Semester I had to mentally prepare myself with the fact that I was taking 6 courses, working at a part-time job, and interning for 2 internships.

With such a heavy load, I became the master of multitasking and time management. In addition, I strongly believe that one of the greatest qualities of working with DisneyExaminer is the support and help that I was able to receive while working on stories and so on and so forth. Every one of my team members were always accessible when I had a question or when I needed my story to be edited (Shoutout to Tami: Thanks for always helping me darling! You are the best). Although it could be stressful at times due to the amount of work and effort that is put into writing a story and meeting a deadline, it has always paid off in the end.

Another important thing that I’d like to emphasize for my PR majors out there, is that although the position that I had applied for was more along the lines of journalism, it has been extremely beneficial for me because you get to work directly with PR people from the different Disney divisions. In addition, it is also very useful for a PR person to have a little experience in journalism because it helps you prepare for the types of questions that journalists or the media may ask you or your future client.

ALSO, there was fun stuff! My first assignment was to write about the history of Captain America which then lead to the AMAZING opportunity to get to go to the Captain America 2: Winter Soldier press conference or what I also learned was called a junket. I had and still have bragging rights for days!

All in all, it’s been an absolutely amazing experience for me professionally and personally. Professionally, I’ve learned more about what some of my strengths and weakness were. I also acquired many useful skills that I will take on with me into my future career. Personally, I’ve been blessed to be a part of such a fun and loving team. I’ve gotten to know and grow in love and admiration for every single one of my teammates. It’s that DE #crewlove.

Lastly, I just want to express my gratitude to each and every one of you that I’ve met along the way, especially the Bossman. Thank you so much for always being understanding with all of the different curveballs that life has thrown at me this semester. I will never forget the support you all have shown me and I will be forever grateful! I continue to admire you guys for all being so young and yet so professional. I’ve learned to love this company especially after learning about its humble beginnings. Thanks again you guys. YOU DA BEST.

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Our heartfelt thanks to Zeila and Sharon for their help and enthusiasm throughout! We wish you both the very best as you chase that dream job that could be “just around the river bend”…

Would you be interested in interning with us in the future? Have Zeila and Sharon’s experiences influenced you about who we are and what we do? Let us know in the comments and remember to apply if it seems something that you’re interested in!