Changes of transition to CM after CP ?

[coilback]

I'm curious how realistic it is to transfer from the College Program into a permanent position at WDW. The reason I'm asking is because I'd rather NOT come back after going down there (Not big on Dallas, what can I say) and I do have quite a few years of experience in entertainment (i.e. set design, graphic design and licensed pyrotechnics) so I'm wondering if it's possible. Obviously, I'd have to make enough to afford an apartment, but otherwise, it wouldnt have to be a lot to start with.

 

[wdwdude423]

I'm curious how realistic it is to transfer from the College Program into a permanent position at WDW. The reason I'm asking is because I'd rather NOT come back after going down there (Not big on Dallas, what can I say) and I do have quite a few years of experience in entertainment (i.e. set design, graphic design and licensed pyrotechnics) so I'm wondering if it's possible. Obviously, I'd have to make enough to afford an apartment, but otherwise, it wouldnt have to be a lot to start with.

Join the club! I'm also wondering about this too. I'm already making plans to stay in Orlando after my CP, so it's just a matter of how I can go about doing that. I'll do whatever it takes to be able to stay and keep my job with Disney. I already have over a year of experience in retail and then I'll have the merchandise experience from my upcoming CP in the Spring. Can anybody help with this? Suggestions welcome

 

[pluto77]

Probably depends on if you're willing to stay at your same work location or another "entry-level" job or if your looking for more of a career type full-time job.

At my work location one of my friends wanted to come back a few months later for a full-time position, and all he had to do was tell the managers the date that he wanted to come back, and they had him on seasonal status (after he went back he stayed for a few years so he became full-time).

Also, at the end of you're program they usually offer you the opportunity to extend your program so if you can't afford a place to live yet, you can just stay on the program longer.

 

[tigsmom]

It can be done as a few of our members have done so in the past. I guess it all depends on how pleased they were with you and if there are any openings available. I would talk to your supervisor and let them know how you feel. Best of luck. :wave:

 

[Splashdown]

I know this is a little off the original subject, but since there are a few people here I was hoping I could ask for some advice. 

I’ve been interested in a full time salaried position in WDW for a while now. I recently returned from my Halloween vacation, and while I was there I spoke with many Full Time CM’s. All of them encouraged me to stop by Casting which I did one morning. However, as I’m sure many of you know, they take walk-in interviews for hourly but not salaried positions, and advised me to apply online for the “professional” openings.

I’ve done so, in fact I applied for 28 open positions in Finance, but I haven’t heard a peep in about two weeks. When I was in casting that morning, it was a very busy sight (evidently the Mouse is hiring).

I was wondering if anyone here is familiar with Casting or Disney Finance and their inner workings? Is there an average turnaround time when reviewing internet submittals? Is there a better approach? I’m sure I’m qualified for the positions, and I know that Casting would not be wasting any time in talking with me. Any advice you may be able to provide would be very much appreciated.

Thank you all for your time!

Ty

 

[coasterphil]

Get used to waiting as far as "real" positions are concerned. They get tons of applicants for every full time salaried position.

 

[coilback]

Well, hopefully I can find something after my CP. As stated before, I have tons of entertainment experience so hopefully that will help. I'm trying to aim for the pyro angle, since I have the most experience in that and it's not a field you can usually just find people off the street for (the least the upper levels of the job). I can't do seasonal, I'm from Texas and the move back and forth would kill me financially. I'd have to do something that would allow me to keep a steady income flow.

 

[Splashdown]

Thanks Coasterphil,

As long as the applications are reviewed, I’m happy. I’m just not a big fan of the “internet submittal, automatic reply, who knows if anyone is even looking at the data” application process. It’s always easier if you can chat with someone in the know. Out of curiosity, are you speaking for personal experience?

 

[Splashdown]

Hi Coilback,

This probably isn’t the plan you are envisioning, but it was something I was tempted by. I mentioned in a post above that I went by Casting recently and the do “walk-in” interviews for hourly positions they are hiring for immediately. A lot of the positions are at the Resort Front Desks, Bus Drivers, etc. but it would pay a few bills and get you in the door. It’s always easier to move around the inside of a company than it is from the outside.

On that note, if you’re already there with the CP, go walk around, find the pyro folks at lunch and say hi!

 

[WDWKat26]

Also, just make sure that your record card after the CP is practically CLEAN.

 

[coilback]

Hi Coilback,

This probably isn’t the plan you are envisioning, but it was something I was tempted by. I mentioned in a post above that I went by Casting recently and the do “walk-in” interviews for hourly positions they are hiring for immediately. A lot of the positions are at the Resort Front Desks, Bus Drivers, etc. but it would pay a few bills and get you in the door. It’s always easier to move around the inside of a company than it is from the outside.

On that note, if you’re already there with the CP, go walk around, find the pyro folks at lunch and say hi!

Oh trust me, I plan to track down the pyro guys. Just not sure how hard it will be. I know when I worked pyro we always had to be anti-social or else everyone wanted to come hang with the guys who "blew stuff up for a living"

 

[coilback]

Also, just make sure that your record card after the CP is practically CLEAN.

Ok, newbie question now. What is a record card ? I have an idea, but just to verify.

 

[coasterphil]

Thanks Coasterphil,

As long as the applications are reviewed, I’m happy. I’m just not a big fan of the “internet submittal, automatic reply, who knows if anyone is even looking at the data” application process. It’s always easier if you can chat with someone in the know. Out of curiosity, are you speaking for personal experience?

Somewhat, I know a lot of people going through those processes currently both for professional internships and salaried roles.

 

[WDWKat26]

Ok, newbie question now. What is a record card ? I have an idea, but just to verify.

\

Your record card notes when you call in, call late, get a reprimand, etc.

 

[Splashdown]

Somewhat, I know a lot of people going through those processes currently both for professional internships and salaried roles.

Any rough idea how long it took for the process to begin for any of your friends who basically “applied cold”? Or did they already have a foot in the door?<O</O

 

[coasterphil]

These people already had an "in" and it ranged from a few days to a few months before they really heard anything back.

 

[Splashdown]

Thanks again Coasterphil,

When you apply online you can log back into your profile and view activity on your applications. So far… nothing, but thanks to your info, (and assuming the tool actually works), I’ll just keep an eye on them.

Have a great afternoon!

 

[Gorjus]

Just personal experience here. I applied for a salaried position before joining the company and NEVER heard a word back from them, despite making 3 attempts at contacting people beyond the original submission.

Having joined the company in an hourly role, I now see that it is rare at best to get a salaried position in the company if you aren't already employed in the company.

So, my recommendation is to just get here and get hired. From there, all kinds of roles open up and in all kinds of different departments. People move about all the time. And it is best if they don't have to teach a salaried person about Disney because they already have been Disney-fied.

Gorjus

 

[pluto77]

Just personal experience here. I applied for a salaried position before joining the company and NEVER heard a word back from them, despite making 3 attempts at contacting people beyond the original submission.

Having joined the company in an hourly role, I now see that it is rare at best to get a salaried position in the company if you aren't already employed in the company.

So, my recommendation is to just get here and get hired. From there, all kinds of roles open up and in all kinds of different departments. People move about all the time. And it is best if they don't have to teach a salaried person about Disney because they already have been Disney-fied.

Gorjus

I think that's probably true. When I worked there, just about all of my managers were CP's in the past. I also have a couple friends working there in salaried positions, and they were also CP's, seasonal, hourly CM's, before they got their positions.

 

[wdwdude423]

Also, at the end of you're program they usually offer you the opportunity to extend your program so if you can't afford a place to live yet, you can just stay on the program longer.

That's really cool! I would hope that I could get my own place with a couple roommates, but I wouldn't mind extending the program a little longer just to get me on my feet. I plan on doing the best I can while on my CP in the Spring so I can stay with Disney. I can't mess up the dream I've lived my whole life for, and I can't see myself doing anything else.