Darren Jones
The Walt Disney Company
Burbank, CA USA
"Have a passion for learning daily."
Career Roadmap
Darren's work combines: Technology, Business, and Learning / Being Challenged
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Here's the path I took:
High School
Yucca Valley High School
Bachelor's Degree
Business Administration and Management, General
California State University, Fullerton
Graduate Degree
MBA
Wayne State University
Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be an Executive Director, Client Engagement:
Bachelor's Degree: Business Administration and Management, General
Graduate Degree: MBA
Learn more about different paths to this career
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life took a while to figure out
1.
Moved from a small desert town to Fullerton, CA to attend Cal State Fullerton. Struggled to decide on my degree and switched it three times.
2.
Graduated in the 1991 recession and my first job paid poorly and I absolutely hated it. Fortunately, after 9 months, I found a much better job.
3.
Just as I was preparing to start my MBA in CA, my girlfriend (now my wife) got admitted to a PhD program in Michigan, so I walked away from everything here and moved to the Midwest.
4.
While in MI, I worked during the day and earned my MBA at night. At my job, I ran the finances for a tech project. When the tech manager quit, I was asked to take over (with no technical background)
5.
After earning her PhD, my wife accepted a post-doc position in Florida, so just as I was becoming successful in Michigan, I had to move!
6.
After five years, we settled back in California, and I had several good consulting positions, but ultimately, I wanted to commit to one company. My dream company was Disney, and soon I got a job there
7.
While at Disney, I have switched roles or been promoted 6 times. I always say 'yes' to any opportunity or challenge. I have been an executive for 4 years now.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Myself:
You don't have a formal background in technology, how can you hold a role as a technology executive?
How I responded:
Since I had a developed a true passion in technology, I decided to deeply commit to learning specific technologies and to understanding the value of technology to enable the business to succeed.
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
I went 'all in' to take advantage of advisors and other resources who could give me expert advice on how to succeed in college.