A lifelong love of dance and costume design set BYU-Idaho senior Brielle Anderson on a path to Walt Disney World Resort, where she was recently hired as a costume buyer intern.
“I was a competitive Irish dancer for 15 years, so most of my life was spent being the performer and being the one on stage,” Anderson said. “I loved doing that.”
As she grew older, Anderson also developed a love of sewing and costume design. When she discovered BYU-Idaho's apparel entrepreneurship major, she realized she could pursue both passions.
“I was looking through everything and I [thought], ‘That sounds exactly like what I want to do,’” Anderson said. “I know that I need to go there.”
At BYU-Idaho, coursework and hands-on experience strengthened Anderson’s skills in patternmaking, garment construction, technical design, and digital drafting. She showcased those skills in a professional portfolio and put them into practice as an employee in the Department of Dance Costume Shop.
“I feel like it was meant to be,” Anderson said. “I was able to slide right into a place where I felt at home.”
That preparation proved essential when Anderson began applying for internships. She contacted several Irish dance companies but encountered visa barriers and limited opportunities. Still, she continued her search.
Her persistence paid off when she discovered Disney’s costuming internships and submitted her materials as soon as applications opened.
"Because I had been planning on that Irish dance opportunity, my portfolio was ready,” Anderson said. “I already had letters of recommendation lined up. I had pretty much everything I needed ready to send, which was nice because Disney [internship] applications are only open for one week.”
After multiple interviews, Anderson received an offer to join Disney Live Entertainment at Walt Disney World Resort as a costume buyer intern, a role she described as the perfect blend of her training and passions.
“Now that I'm here, it's just opened up my world,” Anderson said. “If you have a passion, you should definitely pursue it.”
Anderson also encouraged future students to take time to discover their interests and trust their direction.
“I have spent a lot of time getting to know myself, … what I am passionate about, and how I want to get there,” Anderson said. “Each of us has unique talents that can and should be pursued. … There is not one right path, no matter where you are.”