Disney’s internship program off ers students opportunity
Jenn Baluch & Kristina Haney
The Walt Disney World Parks and Resorts are the most popular resorts in the world with more than 17 million visitors in 2008. For many, some of their best memories are visiting a Disney park or resort.
The Disney Company now has 11 parks in five locations around the world including Japan, Hong Kong, Paris and Shanghai. Dreams to be a Disney Cast Member can now be fulfilled through the Disney College Program
Students in the United States can choose to work at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California or Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida.
Internships are usually for one semester, ranging from four to eight months, but can be extended to one year. Applications are accepted at certain times of the year but internships begin at the start of Summer, Fall or Spring semesters.
There are also options for international and culinary students, as well as opportunities for professional internships which or more specific within the company.
College interns in both locations stay in fully furnished apartments with one to seven other students, with the rent being automatically deducted from each pay check. MCC Disney College Program coordinator Linda Collins calls them “Disney dormitories.” Florida interns have bus services to and from the parks, while California intern have to provide transportation.
During the application process, students will rank different positions such as merchandise, recreation, attractions, food and beverage service, custodial, transportation and hotel operations. After the initial application process is complete, the student will move on to an online interview and then a phone interview with a college program recruiter before a decision is made on acceptance.
As a college intern, students are considered a Disney employee, known as a Cast Member. They have full access to the parks and are guaranteed at least 32 hours per week. In Florida, interns are able to audition for performance positions in holiday parades and meet and greet characters.
There are other shifts that can also be worked, such as fireworks shifts and events shifts, like the Halloween and Christmas parties
While in the Disney College Program students have the option to earn college credit through MCC. Six credits can be earned through MCC and up to 12 credits can be earned if the student signs up for Disney sponsored classes.
Among the many classes available in both Florida and California is Marketing You. This class helps students develop their resume, learn how to prepare and dress for an interview, create professional business cards and learn about their dream career.
After completing the college program, there are many opportunities to stay with the company. Many college students are offered seasonal positions, which will maintain cast member status, but only requires six months of work.
Other positions within the Disney Company are available to those who have completed the program.
Disney English is a program that is based in Shanghai and teaches children English through the art of storytelling and the magic of Disney.
Kinsey Moss, an MCC student, did the program in Disneyland and was placed in Tomorrowland at the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage ride.
“I would rather help people than cater to them,” Moss said. Her career path is to become a respiratory therapist. Moss is considered a seasonal cast member and goes to work at the park during breaks in school and during the summer.
To qualify for the program you must be 18 years or older and taking at least one college class upon applying. Internship applications are currently being accepted for the January through August session.
Applications are available online at disneycollege.com. Contact Dr. Linda Collins with any questions or concerns about how to sign up for credits at MCC. Registration will be closing October 31st for this coming session.
