UC student gets to design next generation of theme parks
How co-op led a UC engineering student to Disney and Universal
For Amelia Leonard, co-op at the University of Cincinnati delivered more than technical experience — it gave her the confidence to chase dream opportunities in theme park engineering.
The UC mechanical engineering student has gotten to work as an engineer with some of the biggest names in theme parks, including Walt Disney Imagineering and Universal Creative.
She said co-op gave her the confidence to go after some of the best opportunities in the industry.
UC engineering student Amelia Leonard has gotten the chance to work co-ops with the biggest names in the amusement industry. Photo/Provided
“UC gives you a lot of skills to step into that interview room and feel confident,” she said. “The biggest advice is to realize you belong there.”
The daughter of an electrical engineer, Leonard grew up in Beavercreek, Ohio, where jets flying overhead from the nearby Wright-Patterson Air Force Base was a regular sight. She knew from an early age that she was interested in engineering.
“You would see C-17s flying over your house every other day. It’s hard not to want to know how they work growing up in an aerospace-heavy community,” she said.
But her passion was in amusement parks. Trips to Kings Island outside Cincinnati and Disney World left a strong impression. For her, it was less about the scary rides than the immersive experiences.
“I loved to step into these worlds and believe what it was,” she said. “I was the kid my parents had to hide the cardboard from because I would build anything with it: paper towel tube zip lines for my Barbies through the staircases.”
UC co-op program: Frequently Asked Questions
What is co-op at the University of Cincinnati?
UC defines cooperative education, or co-op, as meaningful, career-oriented, compensated workplace experiences. Co-op is a structured program where students complete academic coursework and get a paid job in their field of study, graduating with both a degree and real-world professional experience.
Find more info: What is co-op in college? How cooperative education works
Are UC co-op positions paid?
Many UC co‑ops are paid, full‑time roles. Students often use co‑op earnings to help cover tuition and living expenses, which can reduce the need for loans and improve the overall return on investment of their degree.
Learn more: How cooperative education and paid experience change the ROI equation
Which majors offer co-op, and where do UC students work?
Co‑op is deeply integrated into programs in engineering, design, information technology, business, arts, sciences and more, with support from the College of Cooperative Education and Professional Studies. UC is committed to offering all students career-building, real-world experiences related to their field.
UC students co‑op in Cincinnati, across Ohio, throughout the U.S. and abroad with employers ranging from startups, design studios and nonprofits to hospitals, government agencies and Fortune 500 companies.
How does co-op help students after graduation?
By graduation, many Bearcats have up to 1.5 years of career‑related experience, strong resumes and professional networks. A significant number receive full‑time job offers from their co‑op employers, which is why the University of Cincinnati is widely recognized as the global founder of cooperative education and a national leader in co‑ops and internships.
She came to UC to take advantage of its nationally renowned cooperative education program, which helps students graduate with up to 1.5 years of paid work experience, strong job outcomes and co-op earnings that offset the cost of a degree.
“It creates a mental break for you between classes where you can focus on work,” she said. “And it gives you a glimpse into why you’re pursuing this education with real applications.”
Her father, Charles Leonard, said he knew UC co-op would be a good fit.
“I have always been amazed by Amelia’s ability to approach challenges with curiosity, solve problems with determination, and enjoy turning ideas into real world products that others can appreciate and enjoy,” he said.
“Most of all, I want my daughter to know how proud I am of her,” he said. “Not simply because she is following in my footsteps, but because she is doing what she loves. Whatever direction her engineering career takes her, I hope she knows that I will always be her biggest fan and always cheering her on.”
UC co-op: By the numbers
- $99.5 million in collective self‑reported co-op earnings
- 9,614 co-op enrollments across disciplines
- $13,130 average co-op earnings per student per semester
- $21.89 average hourly co-op wages
- 1,798 employer partners engaged in co-op and paid experiential learning
- No. 3 program in the nation (U.S. News & World Report)
- No. 1 public university for co-ops and internships
- No. 1 public university for co-ops and internships
Learn more about cooperative education (co-op) at UC.
Co-op wages vary based on factors including field/industry, geographic location and level of experience
Working for biggest names in amusements
Amelia Leonard has gotten co-op positions with Disney Imagineering and Universal Creative, among others. She is pursuing a career designing the next generation of themed attractions. Photo/Provided
Leonard was hired as a project management intern for Walt Disney Imagineering Research & Development in Glendale, California. By coincidence, her freshman-year roommate at UC got a job with Disney that semester as well and they got to spend time together on their days off.
“I had the amazing opportunity to connect with UC alumni out there. The culture there is amazing. There’s a focus on mentorship,” she said.
At Universal Creative, she worked in engineering and safety.
“I had the opportunity to work with the show team, control team and ride team and see how they integrate,” she said.
Now she’s working part time at LF Studios in Cincinnati after completing three design-engineering co-ops with them. The company builds animatronics and interactive attractions for theme parks and museums around the world.
And she and her classmates are busy putting together their senior capstone project — a scale amusement ride that can carry Jolly Rancher passengers for a national competition judged at Hersheypark, Pennsylvania.
“We’re trying to build something that’s fun to look at and would be fun to ride,” she said.
Leonard serves as a show ambassador for the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. And she is president of UC’s chapter of the Themed Entertainment Association, a student club that has members from colleges across the university.
She said UC’s co-op program gave her valuable experience that will help her launch her career.
“Getting the opportunity to take on this responsibility as a college student was impactful,” she said. “Building those skills and getting those connections and advice and experience. You’re walking away with so much knowledge.”
Featured image at top: UC College of Engineering and Applied Science student Amelia Leonard holds up her employee badge at Universal Orlando Resort. She said co-op at UC has supported her dreams of working in the amusement industry. Photo/Provided
Your career is next
Through one of the nation’s most robust co-op programs, UC students don’t just learn about their future — they live it, alternating classroom study with real, career-shaping experience in industries around the world.
Students: Earn while you learn at UC.
Employers: Find your next hire.
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