E43: A Journey to Industrial Engineering in Themed Entertainment | Reagan Hajjar | Class of 2023

In this episode of The WPI Podcast, we explore how a memorable interactive experience during a visit to Walt Disney World as a child led industrial engineer Reagan Hajjar to chase a dream of creating magical moments in theme parks. Hajjar, a 2023 Worcester Polytechnic Institute graduate, discusses her journey to working in the industrial engineering and business analytics division at Universal Destinations & Experiences in Orlando, Fla. She talks about how the role of industrial engineer combines data and forecasting and helps ensure that park guests have a seamless experience. She also shares what it’s like to work in the shadows of a roller coaster and just a short walk away from attractions that draw crowds from around the world. Hajjar reflects on how her experiences at WPI, where she was a student in The Business School and earned a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering and a master’s degree in management, helped her realize her dream of working in themed entertainment. You can read more about Hajjar’s journey and her work at Universal in the WPI Journal summer 2026 issue. Related links: WPI Journal, “Where Engineering Meets Magic” WPI Journal, Summer 2026 The Business School Universal Destinations and Experiences Heebner Career Development Center Industrial Engineering at WPI Project-based learning