Becoming an Imagineer

[PlumderinPaige]

Hey all!

I'm brand new here and want to apologize if this type of thread already exists.

Anyway... My name is Paige and it has been by dream to be an imagineer since I was thirteen years old. That was thirteen years ago. Wow, time flies. I have been serving in the military for the past 6 years and am about to end my service in 5 months.

Every choice I have made in my career and education has been geared toward trying to work side by side with the history makers that are the Imagineers. I started my job search a week ago and couldn't believe there was a slot open in Research and Development! After coming down from my extremely excited state, I applied. I submitted my resume online and crossed my fingers.

I consider myself a dreamer but I am also realistic. I know that by not networking with current employees I am not doing everything I can to get the career I've always wanted.

So, after a long explanation, I am here asking if there are any imagineers/cast members that might be able to help me with my dream. Even just some advice or pointing me in the right direction. Anything would be greatly appreciated! Thank you for taking time to read this!

 

[lazyboy97o]

Don't limit yourself to just Walt Disney Imagineering. There are a lot of smaller companies that do similar work or get hired by Walt Disney Imagineering.

 

[Tom]

Hey all!

I'm brand new here and want to apologize if this type of thread already exists.

Anyway... My name is Paige and it has been by dream to be an imagineer since I was thirteen years old. That was thirteen years ago. Wow, time flies. I have been serving in the military for the past 6 years and am about to end my service in 5 months.

Every choice I have made in my career and education has been geared toward trying to work side by side with the history makers that are the Imagineers. I started my job search a week ago and couldn't believe there was a slot open in Research and Development! After coming down from my extremely excited state, I applied. I submitted my resume online and crossed my fingers.

I consider myself a dreamer but I am also realistic. I know that by not networking with current employees I am not doing everything I can to get the career I've always wanted.

So, after a long explanation, I am here asking if there are any imagineers/cast members that might be able to help me with my dream. Even just some advice or pointing me in the right direction. Anything would be greatly appreciated! Thank you for taking time to read this!

Hi Paige! Welcome to wdwmagic and congrats on your first step toward making the magic happen.

WDI has changed significantly over the years. While they still maintain a core staff of varying disciplines, they also prefer to contract with other architectural and engineering firms for most projects. The Imagineers will brainstorm and put things to paper in a conceptual manner, and develop models and other visual aides. But the licensed designers will put together the plans used to build the attractions, lands, and other facilities.

While nothing is impossible, finding a spot to fill in WDI can be challenging....and may mean that you'll be relocating to California. Some sage advice, also offered above, would be to interview firms that often perform design work for Disney, and get on board with their projects. Use that time to network and learn everything you possibly can from the experiences.

Regardless, I wish you the best in whatever career path you ultimately follow.

 

[orlando678-]

It's my dream too although I'm still 14 I wanted to be an imagineer since I was 9 or so.