From in the office to on the jobsite, there is something for everyone in construction. And while we encourage Ohioans to help create our counties’ communities through skilled trades, many in the industry dream of a career in construction beyond our state lines. Over the next few weeks, we’ll share a few of the most unexpected paths that a career in construction can take you. Some are even out of this world, like today’s featured dream construction job: Construction Logistics Manager at Disneyland Resort.
When you enter a theme park like Disneyland, you’re transported to another world. Enormous structures including stories-high roller coasters and multi-level restaurants surround the walkways, each adding to the specific park’s theme and story. This magic of Disney is brought to life with the help of the Walt Disney Imagineering team, a construction crew complete with the expertise of engineers and the skilled hands of laborers. Together, another galaxy is created right in front of our eyes.
“Imagineers” as they’re called, are responsible for making the park achievable and believable. A daunting task for some, but thrilling for others. There’s no such thing as a boring buildout here. Standard city building projects on a typical jobsite lead to a safe, comfortable experience for visitors. But when you work in a place like Disneyland, you’re creating so much more than an everyday building. Here, entire new worlds must be built. But the thing is, the same standard skill sets used to create a commercial storefront in your city’s shopping center are used to create the complex designs at the Disneyland Resort. But at Disneyland, the end result is anything but ordinary.
Disneyland knows the importance construction crews play in creating each part of the theme park. That’s why they’re sharing a special series called “Every Role a Starring Role.” Sure, children come to interact with their favorite characters, but visitors of all ages appreciate the feeling of their favorite fairy tales and faraway lands come to life right in front of their eyes.
Kristina Dewberry is a Logistics Manager for Disneyland’s Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. She’s loved holding this position for 10 years, in which she combines her construction expertise with her love of Star Wars. As a child, she looked up to both her father, whom she helped fix things around her home, as well as Princess Leia, whose strong female leadership she aspired to emulate.
Imagine what it might be like to bring the things you care about the most to reality with the skills you’re best at. Like any other day on the job in the construction industry, there’s no such thing as a “typical” day for Dewberry. But for her, she’s creating an entire new planet. Learn more about what it’s like to be an Imagineer through her eyes in an article by Jennifer Fickley-Baker, Editorial Content Manager, Walt Disney World Resort or through a YouTube interview here.
When you choose a career in construction, we recommend you combine the trade itself with your individual passions and interests. Think beyond our state’s corn fed confines. If you’re a Star Wars fan, Dewberry’s position might be perfect for you. And, that’s just one park. Think about the impact you could make in visitors’ lives for years to come and the incredible honor of saying, “I brought Star Wars to our galaxy.”
