ABERDEEN, S.D. – Northern State University 2019 graduate and communication studies major Lexi Lockhart has recently been accepted into a yearlong internship with Disney, where she will be working in the park during the day and taking classes and seminars in the evening.

Originally from Kent, Wash., Lockhart learned about the Disney College Program (DCP) when a DCP speaker visited during one of her early classes. She almost missed class that day but ended up going at the last minute.

“I felt like she was talking directly to me, and in some way– I feel like this was the reason I decided to go to class,” she said. “I know it sounds cheesy but I truly believe everything happens for a reason, and I was meant to get out of bed that day and listen to this speaker talk.”

The internships are open to college seniors or recent graduates no more than six months out of college.

“The process was surprisingly simple,” said Lockhart. “First, there was an application where you put your educational and professional backgrounds. If they chose your application, you were given a phone interview and once you pass that you are given a web interview. Disney was my number one choice, so when I got my acceptance letter it was such an amazing day!”

After a multi-step interviewing process, Lockhart was accepted to both California and Florida Disney World locations and decided to attend Disney’s Florida location. She was asked to rank potential jobs she would be doing from high interest to low interest and was fortunate enough to receive a position on her ‘high priority’ list in retail.

Lockhart’s Disney internship will start the first week of August 2019 and finish halfway through January 2020. She hopes to learn everything Disney throws at her during classes and listening to guest speakers.

About Northern State University

Northern State University is a regional university that offers outstanding academics and exceptional extracurricular activities at an affordable price on a safe, welcoming campus. Northern State recently announced its Educational Impact Campaign, with a goal of raising $55 million for a new South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, new athletic and recreation fields, and an on-campus regional sports complex. Once the campaign is complete, NSU will be the recipient of more than $100 million in privately funded building projects and scholarships within a decade. To learn more, visit NSU Admissions.