SHL alumna spotlight: Jessica Benson

Jessica Benson stands outside of Walt Disney University.

My name is Jessica Benson, and I recently graduated from the School of Hospitality Leadership in May 2023! I graduated with a double concentration in Special Events and Convention Planning and Food and Beverage Management, where I got to work with many of the school’s outstanding faculty. Since graduation, I have been accepted into the Disney College Program as a resort concierge at Walt Disney World. Since arriving, I have had the chance to network with fellow cast members in the company and make so many friends as we earn our ears! It truly is a dream to have the opportunity to develop my career further with such a fantastic company!
 
Thanks to the School of Hospitality Leadership, I learned the importance of research and career development, as these skills helped me immensely with my application and interview process with the program. Now, I can use the skills I have learned in class with customer service, critical thinking, and team leadership as I work with my fellow cast members and make magic for our guests here in Orlando! I want to thank the school and staff for helping me get where I am today. Without them, I wouldn’t have learned about how I can grow in the hospitality field and the opportunities I can create in this industry with the skills I have developed. However, I am forever and always a pirate and miss ECU immensely!