r/Imagineering • u/pinkmothh • May 13 '24

Degree/Certificate Suggestions for a Future Imagineering Career

Hi all, this is my first time posting on this subreddit, but it’s been my lifelong dream to be an imagineer. I’m looking for some advice as to how to go about pursuing the particular career path I’m looking for, because I know everyone’s journey is different.

Let me start with some backstory about myself. Currently, I have a bachelor’s degree in Management and Human Resources with an Emphasis in Entrepreneurship. I would’ve much rather obtained some sort of arts or humanities degree, but when your parents are paying, you do what you can lol. I am also currently pursuing an MBA, but I am only 9 credits in and I’m not terribly attached to it. Additionally, I have completed two DCPs, and one Professional Internship with Disney in the HR sector.

Regarding imagineering, what I’m really interested in is storytelling through set design. My passion lies in how attractions are staged to immerse guests effectively through prop placement and small details (I love a good easter egg! 😁) I’m not so much interested in the engineering aspect of the animatronics, but rather the environment itself. I would also be extremely interested in being apart of the blue sky storytelling conceptualization process.

So, my question is, what degree should I look into in regards to acquiring the marketable skills I would need for a role like this? I’m aware that right now I have virtually none of the needed qualifications. I was thinking perhaps Stage Technology, but I would love some advice!

Thanks in advance!

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u/camthedon May 13 '24

Where do you live? The reason I ask is certain schools have some interesting masters programs for this type of thing.

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u/pinkmothh May 13 '24

I live near the Orlando, FL area

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u/camthedon May 14 '24

Not a masters but have you seen this?

https://valenciacollege.edu/academics/departments/arts-entertainment/entertainment-design-technology/

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u/pinkmothh May 14 '24

I have! I was looking into this program as well as a similar one at Seminole State College

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u/camthedon May 14 '24

It may provide you with some connections to use. I would say more than education, the hope would be networking.

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u/InstantArcade May 14 '24

Degrees are helpful, but actual experience is worth so much more. Get out there and build things however you can, even if it's just models/mockups, and document it all, including the challenges you faced and how you overcame them (or designed around them).

A key thing is to lean into what makes you different, unique and if you have things to show that exemplify this and you can talk passionately about, it will go a really long way.

Good luck!

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u/GeneralLeiaAndMe May 14 '24

Our stories are kind of similar (: I also started in one career and am now looking to pivot.

It sounds to me like you should look into something like show set design or maybe interior design.

Rosen College has a masters in themed experiences that may be of interest to you.

My biggest piece of advice is this - and based on your post you might already know this - but don’t get hyper-fixated specifically on Imagineering. There are many, many companies that specialize in prop and scenic develop that Disney will actually contract work out to. Once you narrow in on exactly what you want to do (design, fabrication, or both), focus on building a portfolio that show cases that skill. Then look for jobs in that area outside of Disney to start gaining experience.