LEMONT FURNACE, Pa. — Roger Myers dreams of becoming an Imagineer, someone who designs attractions for Walt Disney theme parks. It’s an ambitious goal and applicants are expected to possess a blend of creative and technical skills, so he chose to study electro-mechanical engineering at Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus, he said.
An extrovert, Myers said he was upset to find the COVID-19 pandemic hamper his first-year experience. Once social-distancing policies lifted, he took advantage of the Fayette campus’ many opportunities and served in leadership positions within the Student Government Association, Lion Ambassadors and THON, all the while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
As graduation neared, Myers was presented with two offers: a full-time project engineering role at a global technology company and a six-month internship at Walt Disney World Resort under the Disney College Program. He found choosing one over the other difficult, he said. Project engineering is a well-paying position that provides experience in automated processes and design preparation. Alternatively, the Disney College Program offers students and recent graduates the chance to live at Flamingo Crossings Village, under four miles from the resort, with learning opportunities in leadership, human resources and hospitality.
Hopeful to network his way into becoming an Imagineer, he accepted the latter. During his time at the resort, Myers is working at the EPCOT theme park, providing service for Connections Café and the International Food and Wine Festival.
“It gets my foot in the door,” Myers said. “People have asked why I turned down a salary position in project engineering to work in hospitality. It’s a huge pay cut, but I’m enjoying the experience. Sometimes you only see dollar signs when looking at job offers, but money doesn’t mean everything. It’s the people you meet along the way and the chance at something different. Will this make it harder to find an engineering role? Maybe, but I could be offered a full-time position with Disney. Life’s a game of Risk.”
Barry Pawloski, assistant director of student affairs and past participant of the Disney College Program, supported Myers’ decision.
“I’ve witnessed Roger mature into a leader at Penn State. His character is a blend of integrity, dedication, and competency. He has a sharp focus on helping others, being creative, and possesses a passion for Disney,” Pawloski said. “When it comes to becoming an Imagineer, his resolve is boundless. He’s now one step closer, and I wish him all the best on this new chapter of friendships, adventures, and memories. This is only the beginning … We are!”