How to go from university project to landing your dream Disney job

Will Scragg handed in his final University of Hertfordshire project on a Friday. By Monday, he was working for The Walt Disney Company.

It's the kind of career breakthrough many creative students dream about. For Will, it became reality.

Now a Senior Graphic Designer at Disney, Will works on collaborations involving some of the world's most recognisable brands and beloved characters. From major licensing partnerships to luxury products, his work helps shape how Disney brands are experienced by audiences around the globe.

And despite building a successful career at one of the world's biggest entertainment companies, the excitement still hasn't worn off.

"It's a pinch-me moment almost every single day," Will said. "I've grown up loving these characters. Spider-Man, Marvel – they were such a huge part of my childhood.

"For them to be part of my day-to-day work life doesn't really feel like work. It still feels like I'm living my teenage dream."

Will credits his time studying BA (Hons) Graphic Design at the University of Hertfordshire with giving him the creative versatility and confidence needed to succeed in a highly competitive industry.

Unlike courses focused on a single specialism, every project challenged him to think differently, experiment and develop new skills.

"Every brief and every module was completely different," he said. "You become really well-versed in lots of different areas, and I've been able to draw on skills from almost every project I've done since graduating."

That broad experience helped him create a standout portfolio – one that ultimately opened the door to Disney.

"The portfolio I built through my university work is what got me the placement in the first place," Will said.

But university taught him more than just design techniques.

Working in a studio environment alongside fellow creatives, presenting ideas and taking part in critiques helped him develop the confidence needed to thrive in a professional design team.

"Being surrounded by other creatives and constantly discussing ideas really brings you out of your shell," he explained. "It prepares you for the reality of working in a creative studio."

Studying just 25 minutes from London also gave Will valuable access to the industry he was eager to join, with agencies, guest speakers and creative professionals regularly coming onto campus.

"It made it much easier for industry professionals to come in and show us what the real world of design looks like," he said.

That combination of industry insight, practical experience and creative freedom proved transformative.

Within days of graduating, Will had secured a place at one of the most sought-after creative employers in the world.

"I quite literally handed in my final project on the Friday and started at Disney on the Monday," he said. "Disney has been my life ever since."

Today, Will's journey shows what's possible when talent meets opportunity – and how a portfolio built in a university studio can lead to a career creating for some of the world's most iconic brands.

Thinking about studying Graphic Design? Clearing is now open. Find out more about our courses and how you can join the University of Hertfordshire this September.