AAMU Student Mentored by Baker Now a Disney Campus Representative

AAMU alumna Karla Baker, the General Manager for Retail at Epcot® Walt Disney World, is on campus recruiting students for The Disney College Program, a national paid internship program that provides college students with the chance to work at Disney’s parks and resorts while gaining valuable on-the-job experience.

“We offer great internship opportunities for students,” says Baker. “They allow students to one, come and work with the company, really be introduced to our brand, and meet tons of professionals who are probably connected to something they want to do and two, gives them the opportunity to complete an exciting internship.”

Baker, who earned her bachelor’s degree in business management at AAMU in 1995, has made recruiting on The Hill a top priority for personal reasons.  

“What brings me back here is first of all my love for the University,” says Baker. “I showed up as a first-generation college graduate, didn’t know anything about the system, didn’t even have money and A&M let me stay here. Whoever made that decision to let me in school and let me figure it out along the way changed the trajectory of my life. So, I fill obligated to pay that forward. I feel obligated to give back and I just love this University for everything that it’s meant to me in my life.”

Baker visited classrooms to talk to students about The Disney College Program with Bethany Cobbs, College and International Programs Recruiter and AAMU Disney Campus Representative Sinclair Cole, a senior communications media major from Tallassee, Alabama, who credits Baker with getting her involved with Disney.

“I have two programs under my belt,” says Cole. “I served a Disney internship in summer 2022 and 2023. Ms. Baker just inspired me to get down there and put my best foot forward and try to stay within the company. This is my dream company. I’m obsessed with Disney.”

Disney offers several internships for HBCU students, including the HBCU Cohort powered by Disney on the Yard. The Disney representatives will host an informational session on Tuesday, February 13, at noon in the Welcome Center for students interested in learning more.

“We are looking for students that are eager to learn and really want to take a first step in their career,” says Cobbs. “The College Program is your first step into Disney and you will get foundational skills, experience, you’ll get the customer service basics that Disney is known for, but with the College Program we have lots of networking and development opportunities, whatever your major is.”

Students who complete one semester of college and are 18-years-old are qualified for The Disney College Program. Cole is now preparing to interview for a year-long Disney Hospitality Leadership Program.

“This has definitely been a stepping stone for Sinclair to get into this professional realm, make contacts and start to build her network as she starts her career,” says Baker. “She graduates this May and we’re proud of her.”

Baker is now serving her 25^th year as a Disney executive, and doesn't plan to retire anytime soon.

“God hasn’t told me that it’s time to go,” says Baker. “I thought I was only going to stay five years, that was my original plan, but God said different. I never imagined that I would have been celebrating 25 years at Disney!”

For more, contact AAMU Career Development Services