Ask an Alumna: Andréa Alden, Walt Disney Studios
Alden graduated from the KU School of Business in 2014.
When did you graduate and what did you major in?
I graduated in May 2014 with majors in finance and management and leadership, and a concentration in international business
Tell us about your current job and what it entails.
I am a senior financial analyst with Walt Disney Studios. My team helps prepare forecasts for the current fiscal year as well as the long-range plans of the studios. We forecast the performance of the movies for all of the studios, from Disney Animation to Marvel to Lucasfilm.
What do you like most about your position?
I love my team and leadership. I wanted to work for the studios because I have a passion for the brand and movies. I like that I am able to learn about every aspect of the studio business. Being a finance major, I am definitely enjoying the math and analytics aspect of the job as well.
What School of Business experiences best prepared you for this?
I believe my internships during my collegiate career really helped me prepare for the professional world. My courses in finance, especially Business Valuation and Corporate Finance, among others, created a strong base for me to rely on during my day-to-day responsibilities.
What advice would you give current students?
Two pieces of advice:
- Know what you know, but more importantly, know what you don’t know.
- Don’t be in a rush, whether it is with school work or life. Slow down.
What was your favorite class, or who was your favorite professor? Why?
Being a finance major, I really enjoyed my finance classes with Kelly Welch and Felix Meschke. I also enjoyed the management capstone course with Cathy Curless.
What is your favorite part of being a Jayhawk?
There is a camaraderie feel to the Jayhawk community. When you wear KU gear, odds are you are going to hear a friendly “Rock Chalk,” whether you are in Kansas, Denver, Los Angeles, etc. The community of alumni and sense of pride around our school is something rare and special.
