Mike, Senior Strategy Analyst at Disney: Advize Career Interview
A Senior Strategy Analyst at Disney shares a fascinating career journey, starting with an unplanned accounting major and culminating in a dynamic role guiding ABC's programming decisions.
The work is described as ambiguous yet deeply satisfying, demanding detail-orientation, prioritization skills, and independent thinking.
A passion for the entertainment industry and Disney's output is crucial for success, a point emphasized by the Analyst's own enjoyment of the varied, project-based work.
While entry-level roles often favor candidates with Investment Banking or Consulting backgrounds, the Analyst's journey highlights that a change of career path is possible and that an undergraduate education, particularly one incorporating relevant experiences like a thesis on entertainment accounting, provides a strong foundation.
The Analyst's experience underscores the importance of self-awareness, career exploration, and leveraging unique accomplishments for interview success.
The entertainment industry's unique cultural context is also highlighted, making even routine tasks more engaging.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Mike Magagna
Senior Strategy Analyst
Disney
Penn State University
Penn State (Master of Accounting) and Villanova (Master of Taxation)
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Accounting
Arts, Entertainment & Media
Business Strategy
Honors Student, Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School
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Career Path of a Senior Strategy Analyst at Disney
Mike's career path was unplanned, beginning with an accounting major chosen on a whim, ("my brother thought I'd like it"). After a stint in tax accounting, Mike realized a desire for a more impactful role and a career shift to the entertainment industry, leading to their current position as a Senior Strategy Analyst at Disney where Mike gets "to be on that front" of business decision-making.
Main Responsibilities of a Senior Strategy Analyst at Disney
Mike's main responsibilities as a Senior Strategy Analyst at Disney involve guiding ABC's programming decisions for the upcoming year, analyzing "the financial impact" of those choices, including show renewals and cancellations, and considering the network's position within the larger Disney company. This includes understanding "the overall cost of content" and the impact on various stakeholders.
A Day In The Life Of A Senior Strategy Analyst At Disney
A Senior Strategy Analyst's day at Disney is "ambiguous," shifting between projects and tasks depending on stakeholder needs; the overarching theme involves analyzing show performance across financial, rating, and cost metrics to understand each show's place within the Disney ecosystem.
Most Important Skills for a Senior Strategy Analyst at Disney
For a Senior Strategy Analyst at Disney, "being detailed oriented while understanding how to prioritize" is crucial for navigating the complexities of a large company and ensuring "an Apples to Apples scale" for comparisons. Appreciating the entertainment context, whether through informal learning or conversation, makes the work more enjoyable and meaningful.
Favorite Parts Of Being A Senior Strategy Analyst At Disney
Mike, a Senior Strategy Analyst at Disney, thrives on the dynamic nature of his current role, enjoying that "each day is a new project," a stark contrast to his previous experience. The stimulating, varied work, coupled with Mike's passion for content, makes the job both "a challenge" and deeply satisfying.
Biggest Challenges Faced by a Senior Strategy Analyst at Disney
Mike's biggest challenge as a Senior Strategy Analyst at Disney is the inherent ambiguity of many tasks, "just being given a task with no real instructions," requiring independent problem-solving and judgment calls on when a deliverable is "good enough." This highlights the need for strong independent thinking and initiative in this role.
Favorite Parts Of Working In The Entertainment Industry As A Senior Strategy Analyst At Disney
Mike, a Senior Strategy Analyst at Disney, finds the entertainment industry far more engaging than prior roles in Financial Services, stating that it's "the one industry that everyone in the world is familiar with." This context makes even routine tasks like "Excel and PowerPoint" work more enjoyable, as the daily discourse naturally incorporates shared cultural touchstones like movies and industry news.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Entertainment Industry, According To A Senior Strategy Analyst At Disney
Mike, a Senior Strategy Analyst at Disney, highlights the importance of genuine appreciation for the company's output as a key factor for success in the entertainment industry, stating that "appreciation for what the company does definitely goes a long way." This suggests a passion for the company's products and mission is crucial, beyond simply fulfilling a job function.
What a Senior Strategy Analyst at Disney Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Entertainment Industry
Mike, a Senior Strategy Analyst at Disney, learned that the role's ambiguity and "ad hoc, everyday is different" nature were more significant challenges than anticipated, representing a substantial shift from previous cyclical roles. Successfully navigating this transition, however, ultimately led to a more engaging day-to-day experience.
Entry-level positions for aspiring Senior Strategy Analysts at Disney
Mike, a Senior Strategy Analyst at Disney, notes that entry-level strategy roles often favor candidates with Investment Banking or Consulting experience, stating that "knowing how to do investment banking or public consulting would serve...my career." This suggests a strong career path for undergraduates interested in strategy could involve pursuing roles in those fields before transitioning to entertainment companies.
Significant Career Lesson From A Senior Strategy Analyst At Disney
Mike, a Senior Strategy Analyst at Disney, learned that "it's never too late to go do what you want to do," a lesson solidified by their career transition from tax accounting to the entertainment industry. This experience highlights the value of early career exploration and intentional planning to potentially save time and effort in achieving long-term career goals.
College Experiences That Helped A Senior Strategy Analyst At Disney Succeed
Mike's undergraduate experience, including an integrated master's program and Honors College thesis on entertainment accounting, provided a strong foundation for their career. This allowed a tangible accomplishment and interview talking points, ultimately contributing to their current role as a Senior Strategy Analyst at Disney, even though it took "five incremental years" to realize their career path.
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