Graduate B4 or after CP?

[Shadow13]

Hi all, im new here as a member but have been reading in on this forum for a month or 2 now.
As the title says, which is BEST, do the Disney College program before i graduate (as in, next semester)(i am a junior in college,20yrs old) or as my parents and family in texas want me to do and wait until i graduate UT Tyler in 2 more years and THEN try the program.
I'm trying my hardest to see it their way, but dont. I feel i will be over qualified to the program if i am just trying it out at the age of 22 with a bachelors degree in Speech/Theatre. ??? please help all

Much thanx

 

[egionet]

I would do it before you graduate. I did it this past spring and felt that I didn't get as much out of the program. I actually graduated while I was in Florida (stayed a student to keep my health insurance), but I was completely done with classes. I was definitely friends with the over 21 crowd and a lot of them had graduated and felt the same way I did. I didn't get a lot of the skills they say you get because I had already had so many experiences while in school doing other activities. I already had great communication skills, business background, and other things they try to sell to you about the program. I'm sure sooo many other people got a lot more out of the program than I did. A major personal thing for me, I felt that with a degree I could be doing better than $6/hour and have to deal with rude guests constantly. I certainly enjoyed my time down there, but I wish I hadn't waited until I was done with school.

 

[nickcarraway]

Well, if you want to continue to work at WDW and live in Orlando, I'd say do it after you graduate. An internship is a great "in" to work for a company. After I graduated, I worked in a fellowship program in New York. The pay was minimal, but I used my time to make contacts and find a place to live. When the fellowship ended, I turned it into a real job. And in this economy, that's not such an easy thing to do. If you have no interest in a career at WDW or living in Orlando, then do it now and get it over with.

 

[Atta83]

I took a semester off to do the CP and it was the best thing I did. I needed the break, though the decision is up to you. There are no right and wrong answers. The experience alone will help you in the future.

 

[Shadow13]

great info guys, keep it coming in. Unfortunatly as i stated before, my family & parents are 100% against me doing the CP until after i graduate. Also as i said before, i will be 22 and have a bachelors in Speech/Theatre, thus i really think i'd be overqualified to do the CP for $6 an hour and starting at the bottom.
My idea is, go down there now for the CP, make some contacts, find out what jobs ARE availible and what education i need to get them. And then return to Texas to finish out the last 2 years of education with some direction.

 

[egionet]

great info guys, keep it coming in. Unfortunatly as i stated before, my family & parents are 100% against me doing the CP until after i graduate. Also as i said before, i will be 22 and have a bachelors in Speech/Theatre, thus i really think i'd be overqualified to do the CP for $6 an hour and starting at the bottom.
My idea is, go down there now for the CP, make some contacts, find out what jobs ARE availible and what education i need to get them. And then return to Texas to finish out the last 2 years of education with some direction.

My parents were 100% against it too, that's why I waited. I wish I hadn't. I felt overqualified and was very dissatisfied with the program, which is not the way most people feel. I left early and a lot of my friends left early too. Of course, you don't have to feel this way or feel overqualified. You just have to go in with the right attitude and be happy about it. Also if when you do eventually do it, I would suggest not doing the advantage program. You always have the option of extending, but you can't cut your program short. But when all is said and done, I wish I had never left because moving back home with my parents after not living at home for 5 years was a bad move. Now, I'm miserable and can't find a real job. I hope everything works out for you in the end!

 

[Captain Hank]

egionet, what was your role? Ultimately, I want to do the Epcot Plant Science Advanced Internship. I haven't decided whether I want to do that sometime during my undergrad, or perhaps do regular CP during undergrad, then go back and do the AI after I graduate. I would love to do both, but I can't personally justify it without ultimately doing something plant science related (I'm a bio major that wants to go into botany). My parents are okay with whatever I do, I'm just personally having trouble with deciding. Any thoughts?

 

[Atta83]

My dad was against me going, but I was 18 nothing he could do. We finally talked him into it saying that it would help me in college with getting organized. I told him I didnt want to wait till I graduated. I mean I made some of the classes I missed during minis but I get my AA this fall

 

[egionet]

egionet, what was your role? Ultimately, I want to do the Epcot Plant Science Advanced Internship. I haven't decided whether I want to do that sometime during my undergrad, or perhaps do regular CP during undergrad, then go back and do the AI after I graduate. I would love to do both, but I can't personally justify it without ultimately doing something plant science related (I'm a bio major that wants to go into botany). My parents are okay with whatever I do, I'm just personally having trouble with deciding. Any thoughts?

Well I worked in Fantasyland attractions, hence the avatar (spring break 2004), not the best place to work. You would think it would be all happy, but people get really mad when you move their stroller. That apparently "ruins" their vacation. You could also ruin a vacation by telling them that the line for Winnie the Pooh really is 90 minutes, but what would you expect when you wait until 3 PM to ride the ride. Extremely stressful, and I wasn't happy.

Anyway, my goal when I went was to get a full time job afterward. You know, the cp was just my foot in the door. But I realized after attending the AI fair they held, I just wasn't really that interested in anything they really had to offer. I have a BA in psychology with a minor in elementary education. I didn't want to get into management or really anything related to that. I don't like biology so all the AK AI were out for me. I'm still totally in this transitional period before I figure out what I want to get my masters in. Of course, that is all a personal thing.

For you, I say do your regular CP as an undergrad. You will be a semester behind, but don't worry, no one graduated on time. I know I didn't. Then apply for the AI. Probably do it after you graduate. A lot of the advanced interns have already graduated. Then you have the ability to meet people who are in your direct field and make your contacts. This will allow you to set up for a potential full time job with a possible salary position. This is all hypothetical, but that would be my plan of attack if I were in your position! Hope this helps!

 

[Wilt Dasney]

Go now. It really is kind of a silly thing to do after you graduate, but for someone in the middle of their school career, it can be a nice break and a chance to experience things that being in school can keep you from. Then you can decide whether going for an AI after graduation is the right thing. I agree, there are no "right" answers, just significantly better ones. :animwink: Go before you graduate and show your family some independence. They may not like it, but they'll respect it.

 

[Shadow13]

Go now. It really is kind of a silly thing to do after you graduate, but for someone in the middle of their school career, it can be a nice break and a chance to experience things that being in school can keep you from. Then you can decide whether going for an AI after graduation is the right thing. I agree, there are no "right" answers, just significantly better ones. :animwink: Go before you graduate and show your family some independence. They may not like it, but they'll respect it.

My thoughts exactly, accept the "They may not like it, but they'll respect it" part. No, they wont. Ultimately, my folks just want me to skip the CP and graduate and then go down there and try to find a job. Which in my mind, is a horrible idea, i will have no contacts or experiance in Fl. and will also have no idea of what availible down there.

~Thank you all for your replys, they are very helpful.

 

[Wilt Dasney]

My thoughts exactly, accept the "They may not like it, but they'll respect it" part. No, they wont. Ultimately, my folks just want me to skip the CP and graduate and then go down there and try to find a job. Which in my mind, is a horrible idea, i will have no contacts or experiance in Fl. and will also have no idea of what availible down there.

~Thank you all for your replys, they are very helpful.

Well, certainly you know your own family. Have you tried playing up the "gaining contacts" angle? That really isn't a BS reason to go early. In the event you decide that you want to try Disney or Orlando for real, you will be a world better situated by knowing people in the area both personally and professionally.

Odds are you'll meet a few people on your CP who would be willing to offer you a couch and their knowledge of the area while you looked for a place to live and certainly you'd have a much better shot at getting on with Disney if they're already familiar with you as a former Cast Member.

I would try stressing that to the family if I were you, as well as how all those contacts and local knowledge will be more than worth a missed semester of school for someone really thinking about living and working there. Downplay the fact that you'll probably be standing behind a register or operating a ride on your CP, since everybody has to start somewhere. Good luck!

 

[shrinky215]

It's hard to move down there without any contacts, but doing a CP or AI after graduation would be your IN, and could carry over thereafter, because you won't need to go back to school.

The best way I've found is to go to a 2 year school, do the CP, then move down there and finish school (as long as one in that area is good for you, knowing the schools down there... chances of that are slim).

Personally, I did the CP midway through college. I regretted doing it at that point because now I'm behind my friends in college, who have since graduated and themselves moved to Orlando personally! So I've experienced it both ways, and I see doing the CP as a means of beginning your working career to be a better choice than as a "break" during college.

However I have them now to rely on to move in with when I go back to Disney, hopefully next semester for a Management Internship.

 

[Wilt Dasney]

This isn't to downplay shrinky's advice, but IF you still think that going down during college is something you'd like to do, the distinction between a CP and an AI is another good reason for it.

Explain it to your folks this way: Would they prefer you take a semester off to do an unglamorous CP job and gain contacts, then put in for a really neato AI job right out of college, or go down after college with no contacts or area knowledge to do a menial CP job before you even have a shot at getting a better AI job that may not even materialize after you're already there?

I'm not just trying to s e x up the "go during college" angle. I really think it's a better choice IF you want an AI or a real job down there. Can't hurt to argue your case, I would think.

 

[shrinky215]

I'm not just trying to s e x up the "go during college" angle..

Hmm, I bet it's not what you're saying, but it brings up another point.

If you don't want to give up "college life" and all of that fun stuff, the CP is certainly a GREAT time (lots of fun for me personally because I live at home for college).

Just don't get sucked into it, I knew kids down there who were like 26 who had done the college program like 5 times, just enjoying life in Vista Way. Fun? Yes. Healthy? Probably not. Move on!!!

 

[DisneySaint]

Sorry if I am going against the flow of the water here, but...

I am 21 and I am graduating in May 2006. I fully intend to do the Advanced Internship the semester AFTER I graduate. I cannot leave now due to personal consequences (just got engaged, have a great job, etc.) and because I am already a semester behind in graduating. I likewise plan to make the full move to Orlando that same month after my graduation and marriage to my fiancee. I have a firm belief (and have been told by others) that enrolling in the AI the semester after I graduate would be a great foot in the door to persue my future career in WDW.

 

[Shadow13]

This is still all great angles and advice guys. Much appreciated. My interview for the CP is monday after the presentation. So i will see what jobs are availible, and go from there. (i got accepted to it last semester, so i dont think it will be a problem this time either.)

 

[Wilt Dasney]

Sorry if I am going against the flow of the water here, but...

I am 21 and I am graduating in May 2006. I fully intend to do the Advanced Internship the semester AFTER I graduate. I cannot leave now due to personal consequences (just got engaged, have a great job, etc.) and because I am already a semester behind in graduating. I likewise plan to make the full move to Orlando that same month after my graduation and marriage to my fiancee. I have a firm belief (and have been told by others) that enrolling in the AI the semester after I graduate would be a great foot in the door to persue my future career in WDW.

That's really not inconsistent with what we've been saying. I assume you're going to apply for an AI that doesn't require you to be an alum of the CP.

 

[egionet]

Sorry if I am going against the flow of the water here, but...

I am 21 and I am graduating in May 2006. I fully intend to do the Advanced Internship the semester AFTER I graduate. I cannot leave now due to personal consequences (just got engaged, have a great job, etc.) and because I am already a semester behind in graduating. I likewise plan to make the full move to Orlando that same month after my graduation and marriage to my fiancee. I have a firm belief (and have been told by others) that enrolling in the AI the semester after I graduate would be a great foot in the door to persue my future career in WDW.

I hope more than anything you enjoy it excessively. I did not enjoy my CP as much as I thought, and ended up leaving early. I was hoping to make the full move to Florida at the end of my CP. I am certainly not trying to be a PIA, but you'll be moving somewhere with extremely high expectations. It might not be all you hoped for. I would suggest not making any plans to move yourself and your new wife somewhere without really knowing what you are getting into. Also it's more competative to get an AI. PLEASE don't think I'm being rude, doubtful, or mean, I just want you to be well aware of what I went through, as well as many people I knew who left early. Good luck with everything. I certainly hope it works out for you, especially your marriage!

 

[shrinky215]

I hope more than anything you enjoy it excessively. I did not enjoy my CP as much as I thought, and ended up leaving early. I was hoping to make the full move to Florida at the end of my CP. I am certainly not trying to be a PIA, but you'll be moving somewhere with extremely high expectations. It might not be all you hoped for. I would suggest not making any plans to move yourself and your new wife somewhere without really knowing what you are getting into. Also it's more competative to get an AI. PLEASE don't think I'm being rude, doubtful, or mean, I just want you to be well aware of what I went through, as well as many people I knew who left early. Good luck with everything. I certainly hope it works out for you, especially your marriage!

Sorry to hear you didn't enjoy your CP!!! I had high expectations myself, having been to Disney multiple times during my college years, and having numerous friends also do the CP. To the OP, you SHOULD ask some hard questions and see if the CP is for you. I generally assume that a "Disney Person", I.E. someone who would use this board would most likely have a great time doing a CP. Just saying the chances are good you'll be happy there.

I can sum it up from what one of my friends said today when I told them I was returning to Florida - "Why do all you people who do the Disney thing end up moving down there?"

I'd be MORE worried if you only wanted a break from college and had certain plans to NOT make a permanent move...watch out, It'll suck you in!!!