Kim Wheeler
5-year member

Kim Wheeler

Manager, Production Maintenance, Abbott
Maine
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  • Kylie Cox asked Kim Wheeler, Abbott

    Added Tuesday, September 1, 2020 at 12:14 PM

    Hi Kim!

    I saw your reply to Madigan from a few years ago and you seem to have so much knowledge of this topic! I am a graduate student, working on my Masters in Structural Engineering. I graduate this December and it has always been a dream of mine to be a structural engineer for Disney! However, I've been having a really hard time figuring out how to do so. I've searched the Imagineers Website, and indeed, and I can't seem to find any structural engineering positions with Disney, but ...

    Answers 0
  • Madigan asked Kim Wheeler, Abbott

    Added Tuesday, October 2, 2018 at 1:18 PM

    Hi Kim,

    I just scrolled through the many questions you have answered and I think is it amazing that you offer advice to aspiring engineers. It means a lot for students like myself to hear from professionals in the industry we look up to. Working for Disney as an imagineer is my dream job. I am a senior in Civil Engineering looking at going to grad school for Structural Engineering. I've been doing a lot of research to figure out if a career with Disney is even possible for ...

    Answers 1
    Kim Wheeler, Abbott
    Answered Tuesday, October 16, 2018 at 11:43 AM
    Hey Madigan
    
    Nice to hear from you! So there are some truths to what you said but I also have good news: Disney does hire Structural Engineers! We have an entire structural engineering department under our Architecture and Facilities Engineering group. ...
  • Alexandra Resney asked Kim Wheeler, Abbott

    Added Monday, September 10, 2018 at 1:02 PM

    Hi Kim,

    I absolutely love the idea of engineering rides, especially the mix of computer and hands-on work! I am currently an undergrad studying Mechanical Engineering and looking at Grad Schools for Civil.

    Disney is obviously the dream - I have some questions about how you got there and how you would recommend others do so:

    1. Where did you initially apply? (The Disney Careers Website?)
    2. I know you said you were familiar with the software that Disney uses, is ...
    Answers 1
    Kim Wheeler, Abbott
    Answered Tuesday, September 18, 2018 at 4:11 PM
    Hi Alexandra,
    
    1. Yes I applied to Disney directly on the website. I started as an intern so I applied through the Disney careers website: https://jobs.disneycareers.com/professional-internships
    2. I had completed two previous internships with medical ...
  • Cary asked Kim Wheeler, Abbott

    Added Wednesday, August 8, 2018 at 10:09 AM

    Walt Disney World has always held a special place in my heart and inspired me to pursue engineering, something I never thought I could do. Now I am going into my senior year as a civil engineering student. I have been struggling to get my GPA up from a 2.975 to a 3.0 for about two years now so that I could apply for Disney internships. Now I am considering the college program as well as I am feeling discouraged about being able to gain that last 0.034 points on my GPA. I am a member of the ...

    Answers 1
    Kim Wheeler, Abbott
    Answered Tuesday, August 28, 2018 at 5:10 PM
    Hey Cary, first of all, please do not be discouraged! Engineering coursework is HARD no matter who you are and to me GPA isn't always the best indicator of who's the right candidate for the job. Having said that, unfortunately that is one of the ...
  • Eric Quesada asked Kim Wheeler, Abbott

    Added Monday, January 1, 2018 at 12:29 PM

    Hi Kim,

    I'm a senior studying mechanical engineering and robotics at the University of Pennsylvania. I have a 5th year planned to finish my masters degree in robotics. My dream is to work for Disney in a lot of the same capacity that you have. I am also currently studying for my FE exam in the spring. However I'm having second thoughts because the more I look into it the more it seems it's really only necessary for the construction industry. What's your experience with the PE in your ...

    Answers 1
    Kim Wheeler, Abbott
    Answered Friday, January 19, 2018 at 6:01 AM
    Hi Eric!
    
    My husband actually has a master's in robotics from University of Pennsylvania! I would say that the PE is VERY important to Disney.  Growing up in the northeast and living in Boston I did not know what it was until I started to work for ...
  • Kim Wheeler, Abbott
    Answered Friday, January 19, 2018 at 6:39 AM
    Hi Makena
    
    Walt Disney Imagineering hires all kinds of engineers. Our most popular are Civil, Structural, Mechanical, Electrical and Controls.  I would highly recommend you find what YOU are passionate about though and pursue that.  We also hire folks ...
  • Eric Quesada asked Kim Wheeler, Abbott

    Added Friday, December 29, 2017 at 5:20 PM

    Hi there. I'm a senior in university studying mechanical engineering. I really want to work for disney, pretty much in your exact role. I am studying for my FE exam but the more I look into it the more it seems it might not be necessary. What is your opinion on it from your position at Disney?
    Answers 0
  • Alexander Gomez asked Kim Wheeler, Abbott

    Added Thursday, October 5, 2017 at 11:59 AM

    Answers 1
    Kim Wheeler, Abbott
    Answered Wednesday, October 18, 2017 at 12:03 PM
    Good morning Alexander!
    
    I picked engineering because I have a fascination with how things work. Also, I always love to learn and I knew with an engineering profession I would never stop learning. The great thing about engineers is that we get to help ...
  • Haley Grubbs asked Kim Wheeler, Abbott

    Added Monday, October 2, 2017 at 12:19 AM

    I just turned 25 and I am currently at a community college. I've been in various occupations over the years: flight attendant, teacher assistant, behavior clinician, et cetera. My current degree track is setting me up to transfer to Virginia Tech and study Computational and Systems Neuroscience, but I am finally realizing that I would be absolutely miserable if I was not able to dream and create on a daily basis. I also have very many interests, and mechanical design would merge at least two of ...
    Answers 1
    Kim Wheeler, Abbott
    Answered Wednesday, October 25, 2017 at 3:48 PM
    Good afternoon Haley
    
    Thanks for reaching out!  It is exactly hard to say what kind of education is required. We have creative folks who design and create who don't have any degree, but they are very talented! If you do want to be an Engineer title ...
  • Kim Wheeler, Abbott
    Answered Tuesday, June 6, 2017 at 9:55 PM
    Hi Kinsley,
    
    Thanks for reaching out!
    
    I was fortunate where I did not participate in the college program and was able to get an internship the first time I applied. That being said, I had a lot of previous relevant internship experience (in the ...
  • Alyssa , 8th Grade student/ Reno, Nevada asked Kim Wheeler, Abbott

    Added Monday, November 14, 2016 at 9:07 PM

    Hi Kim, This is Alyssa, I am an eighth grader at Depoali middle school. I have always loved math and science and have decided to be an engineer for Disney. What can I start doing now to prepare for this future career? Does Disney have any programs that I can look into to get a head start? How would I apply to be a Disney engineer when it is time? What are task I can do everyday to be the best engineer in the future? Finally, what advice can you give me and other girls in my position to ...
    Answers 2
    Kim Wheeler, Abbott
    Answered Sunday, January 29, 2017 at 4:32 AM
    Good morning, Alyssa!  Its great to know what you want to do at such a young age, I had no idea what I wanted to do when I was your age. If you have a FIRST robotics program at your school, I would highly recommend participating in it. You want to get as ...
    Kim Wheeler, Abbott
    Answered Monday, November 14, 2016 at 9:07 PM
    Hi Alyssa,
    
    Thank you for your questions!  You seem like you are already on the right path by setting a goal and reaching for it!  I would recommend getting as much hands on experience as you can while you are in High School and in College.  Try the ...
  • Lynn, Miami asked Kim Wheeler, Abbott

    Added Sunday, September 25, 2016 at 5:28 PM

    Hello. My name is Lynn and I am a Freshman studying Mechanical Engineering. I currently attend a two Honors College program in Miami. In the future, I am interested in working in the waste to energy industry. My long term goal is to open my plant one day. Will a Mechanical degree be the right path for my aspiration or will I have to get a degree in electrical if I want to work in Energy? Also, how were you able to get the internship with Disney? What are your suggestions for someone who aspire ...
    Answers 1
    Kim Wheeler, Abbott
    Answered Sunday, January 29, 2017 at 4:37 AM
    Hi Lynn!! Congratulations on the Honors program, that is a wonderful accomplishment. Honestly I do not know too much about the energy industry, it might be better if you find someone on this site who's experience aligns more with that. I do think it is ...
  • Jess, Minneapolis asked Kim Wheeler, Abbott

    Added Monday, February 8, 2016 at 9:17 PM

    Greetings! I'm afraid that I'm a bit of an outlier, but I'd be very appreciative if you could answer some questions for an older learner :) I am a 30 year old with a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design. I've currently begun career exploration with the assistance of a career counselor and one of the areas she suggested that I delve into was Engineering. I had never even considered it before as I figured my artistic brain couldn't handle difficult math or science, but I've been completely ...
    Answers 1
    Kim Wheeler, Abbott
    Answered Monday, February 8, 2016 at 9:17 PM
    Hi Jess!
    
    Nice to hear from you.  Its never too late to start something that you are passionate about, I think. We have a program here at Disney for students pursuing degrees in engineering and in my opinion,with your unique background with graphic ...
  • Karen , Calgary, Alberta, Canada asked Kim Wheeler, Abbott

    Added Tuesday, December 29, 2015 at 5:36 PM

    Hi Kim, I am graduating from University in April 2016 as a Civil Engineer. I am very interested in working for Disney and being part of the world that brings magic and joy into the lives of people all over the world. I feel disadvantaged as I live in Canada and do not have the same opportunity to work for Disney. I have been checking the website for job opportunities however, I found that the postings require either minimum 5 years experience or prior experience with Disney. Internships with ...
    Answers 1
    Kim Wheeler, Abbott
    Answered Tuesday, December 29, 2015 at 5:36 PM
    Hi Karen,
    
    One thing I would recommend is to apply for the college program.  The college program is offered to international students and even thought its not in engineering it is a great way to get your foot in the door. Once you are on property it is ...
  • Jessica, Chicago, IL asked Kim Wheeler, Abbott

    Added Thursday, December 24, 2015 at 1:56 AM

    Hi Kim, I'm a sophomore at the University of Iowa. I'm majoring in Electrical Engineering with a minor in Math and Spanish. However, I'm not sure Electrical Engineering is for me. I'm in between Mechanical and Electrical. I would like your opinion on what major would seem right for me. I like building and designing things, I'm very artistic, I like to figure out how things work like things from how a dvd player works to how a roller coaster works, I hate computer coding I suck at it unless ...
    Answers 2
    Kim Wheeler, Abbott
    Answered Thursday, December 24, 2015 at 1:56 AM
    Hi Jess!
    
    Thanks for the question. To add on to what Kate said, I think mechanical engineering may be a better fit for you, especially when you discuss understanding how things work, usually that is more geared towards a mechanically-minded person.  ...
  • Jaleen, University of Nevada Reno asked Kim Wheeler, Abbott

    Added Friday, February 6, 2015 at 4:38 PM

    Hi Kim, My name is Jaleen Apana and I am a freshman here at the University of Nevada Reno. I am majoring as a mechanical engineer and would like to ask you for any advice that you are willing to offer me in order to achieve a job as righteous as yours. With mechanical engineering I would want to pursue in a job that I enjoy, could fascinate or inspire individuals with the creations we have made, and would like to bring joy to others from the works of imagination and hard work. If you have any ...
    Answers 1
    Kim Wheeler, Abbott
    Answered Friday, February 6, 2015 at 4:38 PM
    Hi Jaleen!
    
    If you are interested in working for Disney, there are a few programs you can apply to. If you have a summer or semester free, I would highly recommend the College Program.  A link to the site can be found here: ...
  • Keelin, Lockhart, Tx. asked Kim Wheeler, Abbott

    Added Monday, November 24, 2014 at 12:32 PM

    Hi, I am 9 years old and I want to be an engineer when I grow up.I would like to know what advice you can give me on what I should focus on at my age?
    Answers 1
    Kim Wheeler, Abbott
    Answered Monday, November 24, 2014 at 12:32 PM
    Hi Keelin!
    
    Happy New Year! 
    
    I would say the best way to get ready to be an engineer is to learn as much as you can! Play with legos, learn how cars work, ask lots and lots of questions. The best way an engineer learns is by experiencing it, so try ...
  • Dena asked Kim Wheeler, Abbott

    Added Saturday, September 6, 2014 at 2:33 PM

    Hi- I'm a senior in high school and my dream job is working at Disney. I excellent at math and decent at physics (4 on the AP physics B test) and I was wondering what a normal day on the job is like. Is there a lot of creative brainstorming for updated rides or is it more simple maintenance? Do you need any artistic talent to work as an imagineer? It would be amazing to hear from you!
    Answers 1
    Kim Wheeler, Abbott
    Answered Saturday, September 6, 2014 at 2:33 PM
    Hi Dena,
    
    Being an engineer at Disney can mean a lot of different things. We work on projects and rides that span across our property, both old and new. 
    
    Typically we get work requests from our partners out in the park, who need to come up with ...