Students Interning at the New York State Senate and Walt Disney World Resort This Semester
Liberal Arts: Communications major Madison Webb
New York State Senate, Albany, New York
When New York State Senators are speaking on the floor of the Senate, in hearings, during meetings with groups in their offices, and holding press conferences, Liberal Arts: Communications major Madison Webb is there setting up microphones, audio boxes, and cameras as an intern in the Media Services Office with the New York State Senate’s Work-Based Learning Assistant Program. She is also learning how to edit podcasts and video clips and direct video feeds when Senate sessions are live streamed, all while earning three credits toward her degree.
Eric Hoppel, Director of Senate Media Services, and Madison Webb setting up a Senate Press Conference in the Legislative Office Building in Albany.
“It’s been very exciting to learn all of the aspects of the Media Services Department and actually help set up press conferences with the State Senate which will tie into what I want to do with my career later on,” Madison said. “The work they do as a department is very important, especially with recording legislative sessions so that people can pay attention to what’s going on. I’m the type of person where I want to know anything and everything I can learn. This is an awesome opportunity.”
A 2024 graduate of Schenectady High School, Madison plans to graduate in May and transfer for her bachelor’s degree in public relations.
Walt Disney World Resort
For the 42nd consecutive year, students from the School of Hotel, Culinary Arts and Tourism are learning from chefs and hospitality professionals from all over the world, living with roommates from across the U.S., earning college credits, and getting the most out of their semester-long paid internships at “the most magical place on Earth,” Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Fla.
Culinary Arts major Adam Touchette is at Whispering Canyon Café in The Wilderness Lodge, preparing made-to-order foods including salads, nachos, barbecue and plating other appetizers and desserts. A typical day also involves blanching and shocking green beans, cutting sausage, slicing brisket, and prepping for the next day, all great experiences in the kitchen.
“I’m working for a Fortune 500 company, so I’m getting a lot of great experience and working with people from all over including Haiti, Venezuela, Costa Rica, and Puerto Rico. I knew it was going to be a great résumé builder. When people see that you graduated from the Disney program that’s a big step in the right direction. Plus, I’m living with roommates in our apartment – they’re from Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Georgia - which is good because I always wanted that dorm life aspect to college life. This will help to get me prepared for bigger and better things!”
Culinary Arts: Baking major Aidan Collins is interning at Hollywood & Vine at Hollywood Studios. He’s getting experience making specialty omelettes, sautees, and desserts, working in a different aspect of the kitchen every day. Aidan grew up going to Disney World with his family and was impressed with how the restaurants handled a family member’s dietary needs.
“I love Disney. My older sister has food allergies and the culinary kitchens were really helpful and accommodating for her dietary restrictions. When I found out about the internship program I knew I wanted to do it. Every person here who is part of the college program is really nice. All of my co-workers are really amazing and they’re all super knowledgeable. I’m working with people from the U.S., Latin America, Asia, all over, which is amazing.”
Not only are their six-month internships paid, both Adam and Aidan earn credits toward their programs. They both are taking classes online also while living in Orlando.