Jseven said:
Whatever you do, DO NOT DO THE COLLEGE PROGRAM! Ive only heard bad stories about it. Even better than going to the casting center is calling the jobline and listening to the list of positions they are hiring for. Thats what i have done. The DIsney jobline is 407 828 1000. Good luck!!!
I was a Cast Member on the WDW College Program (Summer 2000, Summer 2001, & Summer 2002). I worked in 3 different roles (Lifeguard, Quick Food (Cosmic Ray's), and Entertainment) with a different experience every time.
Every ounce of energy I gave on the program, I was rewarded back 20 fold. It really is an experience of living, learning, and earning. You have to keep that in the back of your mind at all times. I could write a 20 page essay on all the amazing experiences, friends, and memories that I made. But that is another thread for another day.
All, I have to say when dealing with stories (good or bad) dealing with the College Program, one must always consider the source.
The WDWCP never promises to be an advanced college internship. It consists of hourly jobs at a Fortune 100 company that anyone without a college education can apply for and obtain. The College Program provides you with the avenues to network and explore areas of the Company that may intrest you. If you come open minded with a great work ethic, the sky is the limit on what the experience can mean to you. For me personally, the skills that I have learned (first hand and in observing management) ie. in dealing with customer service, attention to detail, and working in large volumes (of diverse co-workers/guests) will influece me at any work place that I will work at for the rest of my life. Once you complete the program, you also belong to a certain fraternity. In my line of work, I have run into several people that had also completed the program. It really is a small world.
Here are some personal suggestions on if you are considering doing the program. So that you won't be overwhelmed:
1) You should have had a previously hourly job where you have worked 20+ hours a week. You could be working anywhere from 38-50 hours a week in the Florida Sun.
2) You should have had previous room mates before. You could be living with 5 complete strangers. You need to learn the art of compromising and being flexible and sensitive to others. It can be like an episode of the Real World.
3) You should go in the program with the hopes of breaking even financially. You will have expenses. Most people do not bring home a lot of money. It is an hourly job and you do pay rent. I would always save money in the spring so I could enjoy myself during the summer. You should be willing to spend money to explore the other social opportunities around the Disney Area.
4) You must have a high level of Social Skills. In dealing with Co-Workers, Room Mates, and guests to the park, you must be able to communicate pleasantly and be able to make friends. If you don't have Social Skills then I suggest not working at one of the most visited attractions in the world.
5) Be prepared to be humbled. You may have been in a management position during the summers back home, but now you might be working custodial or cooking hamburgers. You will be inspired by no matter what role you work, how much pride others around you put into their job.
6) You must be a positive thinker. After being a lifeguard, The next interview I told my recruiter that I loved the experience but wanted a different experience. I was sent to Fast Food at Cosmic Rays. I can now say I have worked in the most visited/biggest volume Fast Food Restaurant in the world. It all has to be down hill from there.
If anyone has any questions or wants honest answers about the program, PM me of E-mail me and I will give you the ups and downs and share my stories. I would give the Program my highest recommendation. You get out of it what you put into it.
