Please Help

[worengo]

Hey, guys. I recently got accepted to the program and am looking into taking classes with the program. My advisor is trying to talk me out of it because she doesn't think that it is educational and worth taking a semester off. Honestly, could any of you tell me if you learned anything educational out of the program?

Thanks, Wanda

 

[egionet]

Everybody that I knew that took classes definitely learned something. I didn't take any, so I don't really know. And if you school wants you to learn something make them require a "project" from you. I know some of my co-workers were required to do stuff like that. One shadowed a manager for a few days, and some other did Wishes coordinating for business management requirements. Of course, it may depend upon what role you were offered with what kind of projects you can do. Plus tell your advisor, it's not her life. And sometimes you just need a little time off from school! Good luck with everything!!!

 

[DisneyCP2000]

After my experience with Disney I picked up plenty of Transferrable Skills.

As a conventions guide and usher, I learned the basics of doing that job. It was nothing much but showing folks around and crowd control. That wasn't much.

BUT...
By working in the parks I gained many other skills. Skills that can be applied to any job or career path.

The experience includes...
* handling guests/customers and working with them if they had any problems.
* Being an individual, yet work with a team.
* Personal Growth (I became more 'open' after working down there - vs constantly being shy)
* Learn about networking.
* Cultural Diversity
* High Perfomance Culture
* Decision Making skills, and problem resolution.
* Responsibility and Accountability


Most of these skills were never thought of before I entered the program. But since I've complete the CP, I have become a stronger individual and feel more comfortable with any task assigned to me.

Although my job was only a host and a usher...the things I've learned in the program have helped me tremendously at my current job. I'm working in a bank right now and I still use skills that I've learned from WDW. During training I'm constantly trying to help folks out. I'm more outgoing when it comes to other individuals in the office. I've continued to meet folks from all over the bank (from coast to coast) and forming solid relationships. I've also have the mindset of whats best for the customer, whether it be a individual or a company.

Soooo, as you advisor may think it's all fun and games. They're pretty wrong. There's plenty of skills to be learned from the CP in WDW. I hope this helps you out with the way you view the CP.

 

[TheDisneyGirl02]

I would do the program regardless of what your advisor says. You will learn many things that aren't taught in the classroom that you will use in 'real life'. One semester is one semester, what you will gain from this experience will last a lifetime.

TheDisneyGirl02

 

[Atta83]

I didnt take any classes, but like other ppl have said you learn so much on other issues you become a better person.

 

[cm1988]

Hey, guys. I recently got accepted to the program and am looking into taking classes with the program. My advisor is trying to talk me out of it because she doesn't think that it is educational and worth taking a semester off. Honestly, could any of you tell me if you learned anything educational out of the program?

Thanks, Wanda

Egionet, above, hit the nail on the head.

I'd just add that your semester at WDW will be real-world, ground-level experience. You'll see a major corporation from the perspective of the hourly personnel who sustain it. That may cause you to appreciate the opportunities provided by a college education even more. You'll get a great resume item, and a great chat item for future interviews.

Some may say, why take a semester off college to do work you might find at your local McDonald's or K-Mart? It's a real education. And yes, you get all of the program stuff mentioned above thrown in... but this real education will help you decide what you value in employment; how you fit in; how you make the best of an opportunity; and how simple kindness so often creates magic.

Regardless of your decision, best of luck!

 

[DisneyDJ]

As someone with first hand knowledge of the WDWCP, it is a wonderful experience if 1) You've always wanted to work for Disney 2) Want a semester off from school 3) Enjoy watching the Real World on MTV (Cause You're gonna live it)

As far as classes while you're here... they continue to restructure the program every semester... what used to be required courses are no longer availble, and fewer and fewer colleges and universities offer credit. Why you may ask... try to fit in classes, when all the kids are working 40+ hours.

Money, well your not going to make any... unless you work constantly, and you're not going to want to do that... there is to much to do here in Central Florida... and you'll meet many people from around the country you'll want to hang with. Especually since all of you have some of the benefits of being a WDW Cast Member... Merchandise and Food Discounts, Admission into the parks, etc.

My best advice... bring a car... not only will you be able to travel across property, but it will eliminate the need to use the shuttles (which are unlike Disney Transportation - reliable).

Finally, stay away from the extra classes... you're not gonna want to get up at 6am after working a 12hour shift in strollers at the Magic Kingdom, or a night at Pleasure Island... come for the fun and comraderie... you'll be joining a very large fraternity... the fraternal order of past WDWCP Alumni.

So if you're interested come down, but don't worry about school... the one thing you'll walk away with is an experience unlike any other, sure there are good and bad things, but it is truley unforgettable. Maybe I'll see you when your down here... just look for me at the housing events... I'll be the guy with the microphone.

 

[Atta83]

I do recommend bringing a car. I sometimes had to be at work at 5a.m and had to call the be bussed to my work place. Let me tell you I was the only one on a bus at 5 am. And then getting off at 12:30 in the morning and just missing the bus then have to wait for 30 minutes till the other one came. I had friends who had a car and they used it when they needed to like the late shifts or to go get food, its not easy carrying groceries on a bus. But hope you have fun on your program, It was the best sememster of my life!