Chantelle's success story: Securing an industrial placement at The Walt Disney Company

Chantelle is a Business Management with Marketing student from Cardiff University. She secured a Social and Digital Marketing Industrial Placement for National Geographic at The Walt Disney Company based in London, through Bright Network.  

First, please tell us a little bit about yourself.

“I’ve always been a creative person and ever since I was little, I’ve loved making content, being in front of a camera and exploring anything to do with social media, so it felt natural to grow into this creative space professionally.

I chose to go to university because I wanted to explore different career options, meet like-minded people and build a strong foundation through a placement year. Cardiff University has given me so many incredible opportunities, from industry projects to networking, and I’m genuinely grateful for how much I’ve grown there.

My motivation for going into marketing comes from wanting to blend creativity with strategy. I love telling stories, understanding audiences and bringing ideas to life through content. Looking ahead, I’d love to continue building a career in marketing and potentially explore PR too.”

What motivated you to apply for your role?

“I’ve always loved the entertainment industry and marketing and social media have been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. Disney has always been one of my dream companies to work for because of the brand, the storytelling and the creative culture.

What motivated me to apply for this role was the chance to combine everything I enjoy and the opportunity to work behind the scenes of a global entertainment brand.

The position felt like the perfect fit, offering the chance to learn from an industry-leading team while contributing to projects that genuinely excite me. It was the kind of opportunity I knew I could not pass up.”

What was the application process like?

“The application process started by submitting my CV followed by a psychometric test, a video interview, a virtual interview and then finally the assessment centre. Although there were lots of steps, everything was clearly communicated and I always felt supported and one thing that really stood out was how kind the team were.

The assessment centre, which I expected to feel intimidating, was actually enjoyable. The task itself, creating a 360° marketing campaign for an upcoming show, was genuinely fun and aligned perfectly with what I love doing.

Each stage of the process felt purposeful and gave a clear sense of the team, the culture and the role. By the time I reached the final stage, I felt excited rather than nervous and the whole experience left me even more certain that Disney was where I wanted to be.”

How did you prepare for your application?

“I prepared by practising mock psychometric tests, researching Disney’s values and recent projects and looking up both current interns and long-term employees on LinkedIn to understand their experiences and gather advice.

Cardiff Business School’s placement team also helped me massively. I had mock interviews with them and they reviewed my assessment centre presentation, which really boosted my confidence and helped me refine my approach.”

How did Bright Network help you secure your role?

“Bright Network played a big part in helping me secure my placement. The resources made the application process much easier, especially the employer insights, role guides and application tips.

I used the Bright Network platform to understand what top companies look for which helped me tailor my CV and prepare stronger answers.

I also went to the Bright Network FESTIVAL where I met lots of different employers which gave me the chance to connect with a wide range of potential companies for my Industrial Placement.”

What are you most proud of about your journey?

“I’m most proud of how much I’ve grown during my placement at Disney. Stepping into a global organisation was a huge shift and I’m proud of the projects I’ve taken ownership of, the relationships I’ve built and the confidence I’ve gained working in such a fast-paced environment.

One of the biggest challenges during my placement has been the pressure of managing such a globally recognised social media presence. Being responsible for National Geographic UK’s Instagram, Facebook and YouTube accounts meant working with high-visibility platforms where accuracy, judgement and a strong understanding of the brand’s voice were essential which at times was daunting.

Facing these challenges has helped me grow, as I’ve learnt to trust my skills, stay calm under pressure and rely on the structures and processes around me. Over time, the things that once felt overwhelming became moments where I proved to myself that I can handle responsibility at a high level. It’s been a key part of building my confidence and resilience throughout the placement.”

What have you learnt from going through the process?

“Going through the process taught me a lot about preparation, confidence and patience. I learnt how important it is to stay organised, trust my abilities and take each stage one step at a time.

One thing that surprised me was how friendly and welcoming the team were which made the assessment centre feel far less intimidating than I’d imagined.

Looking back, I wish I’d known earlier that I didn’t need to put so much pressure on myself to be perfect, as being genuine and well-prepared goes a long way.”

What are your tips for people looking to follow in your footsteps?

“My biggest tip for anyone wanting to follow a similar path is to get as much hands-on experience as you can. Every project, internship or volunteering role helps you build confidence and gives you real examples to talk about in applications.

Don’t wait to feel “ready”, start creating, start applying and let yourself learn as you go.

Networking is also hugely valuable, as connecting with people in the industry, even informally, can open doors and give you insights you wouldn’t find anywhere else.”

Tell us about the future. What’s next?

“In the long term, I’d love to continue working within a global organisation like Disney or join a marketing agency where I can work across different brands.

I’m excited to keep learning, growing and to hopefully continue building my career in London after university.”