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Creativity encouraged, resources galore

Associate Software Engineer
Current Employee
Has worked at Disney for 2 years
August 3, 2016
Glendale, California
5.0
RecommendsPositive OutlookApproves of CEO
Pros

You aren't just encouraged to share new ideas; you're expected to, even if they're a bit weird. This is an awesome change compared to other workplaces that ask you to keep your head down and stick to existing methods without asking too many questions. Ideas are currency at this company.

Tons of free classes and courses are available online and after work through DLearn, funded by Disney for employee growth. Constant growth and career development are emphasized strongly here, so if you're an ambitious professional in your field, there are many extra offerings to help you get where you want to be. You do have to seek them out yourself, but there are dozens of awesome courses ongoing all the time.

Community is also highly emphasized, and there are lots of on-campus clubs and groups that meet throughout the workday. Even if you have an adjunct interest in a field unrelated to your job, I haven't had any trouble finding support from supervisors to pursue those interests in classes and club memberships.

Depending on your team and management, your mileage may vary. However, changing departments and even careers is definitely possible here, and it's been emphasized to me by higher-ups that there is no shame in changing paths if we feel better suited doing something else. I've never had so much support and so many resources in my work life before joining DI. The Disneyland silver pass and 35% merchandise discount definitely don't hurt either.

Food in the commissary is good and cheap, and facilities provides coffee machines and snacks on every floor. There is also a Starbucks on campus.

Cons

Different floors, departments, and teams are treated very differently. I know of one or two floors that definitely do not share my beaming opinions of our facilities' provisions or fair treatment by management. A change in structure to ensure motivating management styles across the board would be an excellent investment for DI.

Don't discount the other cons listed here; I just haven't found any yet.

Advice to Management

There are a few experimental employee acceleration programs. I know it's resource-heavy, but we need many, many more. Investing in programs that give everyone a chance to climb to where they want to be is necessary for morale-filled, dedicated employees.

Even if I'm being treated well, working next to others who aren't is just as demotivating. We should all be able to feel the same affinity for our Mouse Overlord, not just the lucky ones.

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