Been There or Done That? Disney Career Start

[Yellow Shoes]

Been There or Done That? Disney CareerStart

My last-semester high school senior son got a letter today from the Disney Career Start Program.

From what I can tell, it sounds like the CP for kids who aren't in college.

Quite frankly, I don't think he's quite ready for college. He is bright enough, but major-ly un-motivated. (As in, he just can't quite seem to find the time to fill out application forms!)

Anyone done this?

How, if at all, is it different from CP?
The letter says, "CareerStart participants live in gated housing complexes with 24-hour security and Disney Cast Members on site to assist them. Transporation is available to and from work, as well as to local areas of interest, such as the post office, grocery store, and mall."

Issues of living and work conditions have been addressed elsewhere on the boards. The real question is, of course, How does this affect me?

What can I expect as the mother of a CareerStart kid?

 

[DznyGrlSD]

career start

From the discussion on here it sounds like a new program. Basically being able to do the CP w/o being in college like you said. question:
has your son ever worked before? b/c if he is "unmotivated" disney has a 0-bs policy on missing work, being late, etc.

It sounds like a great program b/c I am taking time off from school and would LOVE to go back to WDW but I can't be a CP....so this is my other option.

~heather

My last-semester high school senior son got a letter today from the Disney Career Start Program.

From what I can tell, it sounds like the CP for kids who aren't in college.

Quite frankly, I don't think he's quite ready for college. He is bright enough, but major-ly un-motivated. (As in, he just can't quite seem to find the time to fill out application forms!)

Anyone done this?

How, if at all, is it different from CP?
The letter says, "CareerStart participants live in gated housing complexes with 24-hour security and Disney Cast Members on site to assist them. Transporation is available to and from work, as well as to local areas of interest, such as the post office, grocery store, and mall."

Issues of living and work conditions have been addressed elsewhere on the boards. The real question is, of course, How does this affect me?

What can I expect as the mother of a CareerStart kid?

 

[coasterphil]

I was planning on trying this program out when I graduate in 2007, because I want to establish residency so I can get in state tuition for UCF. I'd also like to get a better idea of what I want to actually do before going to college, so I don't waste my time switching majors.

 

[Yellow Shoes]

Actually, Fallen Angel, he did work at Mc Donald's until the rehearsal requirements of the high school musical + marching band eliminated all of his free time.

He was VERY good about making it to work.

 

[jimmybop]

from what I was told by the few career start cms at World of Disney with me is that its almost like the college program but the education classes are required.

I think its a great Idea though. I did my first CP my 2nd semester at school. During that CP I matured and change quite a bit. It was a great experence and it made my whole college experence better (The only down side was wanting to go back to florida every day because I missed being here at the parks).

So if your son is intrested, tell him to go for it. But warn him that it while it is fun, it is still like workinig a Full-Time job with around 40 hours a week (and in some places, like World of Disney where I work, the Career Start CMs and the CPs have been on 6 day week for most of the semester with around 43 hours each week)

 

[Yellow Shoes]

The meeting is Tuesday Nov 29. I think I have talked him into going.

His high school band is going to go to the Citrus Bowl (Orlando) or the Fiesta Bowl (Phoenix) in Dec 2006. I told him that it would be pretty fun if he were working at WDW when the band trip came through. (What I didn't tell him is that he will probably be so busy the week after Christmas that he won't have time to socialize much)

 

[Yellow Shoes]

Well, we went to the meeting last night. I thought it was somewhat poorly attended--only 14 people total. There was 2 people who seemed to be alone, but the others had family with them. I would guess about 7 potential CareerStart folks.

They showed a Power Point about the Disney company and left plenty of time for questions. One woman seemed very concerned about the living arrangements--"There's only ONE phone??? For 8 people???" "What if you don't like your roommates?" "Are there enough bathrooms for 8 people?" -- that kind of stuff.

Other questions were about the courses offered, and the presenter really played up the opportunities for networking, learning a foreign language, etc.

After the presentation they did interviews. My son won't graduate until May 2006, so he isn't eligible for this program, which runs Feb 6- Aug 18. I assume there will be another session Aug 2006-Feb 2007. That way, he'll have the priviledge of working Thanksgiving, Christmas, AND New Year's.

He's really drawn to custodial, and by the looks of his room, I cannot imagine why. I think he likes the autonomy, and I told him that the sweeper persons have lots of guest contact--"Where can I get a funnel cake?" "What's the fastest way to get to Downtown Disney?" etc. He also said, "Yeah, and if they're mad, they're less likely to vent on a custodial than a ride or guest services CM." He's a smart boy.

The web site is www.disneycareerstart.com if anyone is interested.

I do feel sorry for the kid--he really doesn't know what to do. I think this is a good transitional thing for him--he will be 1200 miles from home and living on his own, but in a structured environment with clear expecations for his behavior and time management.

Of course, I think I could live with being a CM Mom for a while....:lol:

 

[coasterphil]

Thanks for the update, I had wondered what the meetings were like.

 

[Yellow Shoes]

I would say that the most important thing for others interested in CareerStart is that the interviews are that evening.

Not that you need to dress up, but you might want to wear a nicer shirt with your jeans.

I would also suspect that they are watching you during the presentation for your reactions and body language.

Some good questions that indicate your interest and understanding of WDW couldn't hurt, either.

Disney junkies should do just fine.