When Pauline Callender watched The Little Mermaid in her dorm room at Bentley, she was not thinking about professional opportunities at The Walt Disney Company. 

Today Pauline Han knows the media and entertainment giant in countless ways — and 20 years’ work at the company has not dimmed the Disney magic.

Currently, as vice president and controller for Disney Consumer Products, Han oversees work with licensees, publishers and retailers who create and sell toys, apparel, books and more across thousands of categories. No small task: Disney is the largest merchandise licensor in the world.

Han joined the company as a CPA for rotating accounting projects. “It was a fantastic experience,” says the former Accountancy major, who credits Bentley for providing a solid foundation in business. She went on to roles at Walt Disney Studios and Corporate.

Business travel in Asia, Latin America and elsewhere keeps Han engaged; so do diverse opportunities. For example, as controller for stage plays, Han attended rehearsals and productions on international stages. She has sat in on a recording session for a lullaby CD, made appearances at the ESPY Awards, worked on merchandise licensing for the Los Angeles Dodgers, and participated in soft openings for Disney Cruise Line and Disney California Adventure Park in Anaheim, Calif.

“The company culture embraces creativity, a global mindset, technology and diversity,” she says, noting her ability to voice opinions and have “a meaningful impact on the organization.”

This being Disney, the workday can have lighter moments. Han recalls a lunchtime when filming was underway for Pirates of the Caribbean. “Going through the cafeteria line next to several pirates in full costume and makeup — that will certainly catch you off guard.”