By Amanda Alaniz

RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS – APRIL 9, 2025 – “Bibbidi-bobbidi-boo!”

With a sprinkle of magic from the Disney College Program, UTRGV College of Health Professions major Dylan Alvarado, of  Elsa, has completed two internships that helped transform his understanding of healthcare administration, and provided experiences designed to shape his future career.

He completed the first Disney internship in 2023, and the experience was so transformative that, when the opportunity came about the following year, he applied again. And he was accepted again, this time for the fall 2024 semester.

The Disney College Program, which only accepts about 20% of applicants, offers students a chance to immerse themselves in the Disney experience, all while they gain hands-on work experience.

“Getting to be part of the Disney Magic again was surreal and very exciting,” said Alvarado, a student in the UTRGV Department of Health and Human Performance. “I worked at the Magic Kingdom within the merchandise realm, in day-to-day operations. And for this second internship, behind the scenes, I also had a chance to be involved with the Cast Member Health Advisory Committee. It was pertaining to cast member safety.”

The advisory committee oversees the health of “cast members” (Disney employees who work at its parks, resorts or stores) and implements additional safety protocols. While on the committee, Alvarado heard all the ways people can stay safe, and learned how to find solutions to situations cast members may find themselves in.

“The committee comes up with different movements when it comes to like lifting items. For example, what’s the highest a cast member can lift something safely?” he said. “Then, with shelves, keeping the reach at an optimal level, so everyone is safe and nothing falls on anyone.”

The health advisory committee was something new for him, but he appreciated the opportunity as an obvious benefit for his career in Health Professions.

TRANSFORMATIVE INTERNSHIPS SPARK NEW POSSIBILITIES

The UTRGV Career Center encourages all students to actively seek any opportunities, like the Disney College Program, that could help with their college journey and eventual career.

An estimated 400 to 500 students participate in internships each school year, according to Jack Kaufold, program manager with UTRGV Career Center.

“I consider internships to be a hot commodity here at UTRGV,” he said. “I tell students, you need to graduate with at least two internships under your belt. Internships are a great way to develop professional skills, while simultaneously contributing value to the organization that provides the internship.”

Students taking part in internships help make valuable marks on national and international companies and help elevate UTRGV’s reputation.

Within the past two years, big-brand companies like Dolby Vision and Avi, one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in healthcare, connected with UTRGV to offer opportunities to university students.

“Having UTRGV on the map for these kinds of companies to continue recruiting helps open the doors for many more of our students,” he said.

The Career Center is open to undergraduates, graduate students and alumni exploring a career, or who want help with resumes or interview skills.  

The center’s goals are to help students prepare for internships, address questions they may have, and understand application processes, Kaufold said.

“Internships give students a competitive edge in the job market,” he said.

To stay updated with events and information about the UTRGV Career Center, visit https://www.utrgv.edu/careercenter/.