WDW College Program Interview [Archive]

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figmentspark

04-16-2005, 08:07 PM

Disney Vault

04-16-2005, 08:27 PM

http://www.mouseplanet.com/kevin/cp040901sl.htm

I would recommend reading this.

johnnykool327

04-17-2005, 12:48 PM

Disney Vault

04-17-2005, 02:05 PM

Do you have to have past experience before they will consider you? I have never had a job before. But I still have a couple years before I plan on doing the WDWCP so I could still get a job before then.

johnnykool327

04-17-2005, 02:21 PM

As long as you are 18, and are in college, and disney comes to your school, i think thats all of the requirements (minus like heavily visible tattoos...) if you school isnt one that disney comes to, i think you can still apply at the www.wdwcollegeprogram.com website.

if you are just looking to get a job, i think they hire at 16 (maybe 17) and that you can just check somewhere on the disney jobs site, i believe, someone may want to correct me on that final statement.

Disney Vault

04-17-2005, 02:39 PM

Thanks for the info. I have already checked and they will be going to my school.

Megg568

04-19-2005, 10:40 AM

Hey FigmentSpark! I want to wish you good luck in getting accepted to the program. I'm an alumni who did the fall program in 04. I'm also a current campus rep. I dont know what pointers you are looking for though, since the biggest thing you have to worry about, the interview, is over. Let me know what questions you have though because I can probably answer them. As for them "taking just about everybody", that is far from the truth. Only about half of the students from my presentation were accepted, and at some schools the amount can be even less. It just depends on what the recruiter sees. What they are mostly looking for is someone who will commit to the program. People who will stay the whole time, be enthusiastic, and won't get into trouble at work. It also has nothing to do with job history, or whether or not you've already been to Disney World (I've actually been asked that one A LOT!). But let me know anything specific and I'll do my best to help you out!

figmentspark

04-19-2005, 02:51 PM

I dont know what pointers you are looking for though, since the biggest thing you have to worry about, the interview, is over.

Oops! I should have been more specific. My interview/session thing isn't until Thursday April 21. So it's not over yet. I've already got my outfit all picked out, though.

Andrea

04-19-2005, 04:06 PM

Well guess what! I just got my email and I got accepted! I hope to see you there!!!!

TempoNZ

04-19-2005, 04:22 PM

Congrat Andrea. I bet you are going to have a brillient time.

I interview about 400 people a year (I read (or skim) about 7000 CVs I guess) so I know a little bit about "the other side of the fence".

My most important bit of advice was be preared. Think about what you would ask if you were hiring somone for the position you were going for. Hopefully the more questions you have gone through in your head the mroe relaxed you are going to be during the interview which really shows.

Also for this kind of interview HAVE FUN!! Try to interact with the interviewer and those you are inerviewed with on the day. If I'm doing group itnerviews I'm nto only listening to the person talking I'm also seeing how others are reacting. Are they paying attension? Are they trying to interupt (bad thing), Are they being supportive? Are they interacting with everyone well? a lot of times you'll get someone who hoggs the whole interveiw and answers every question put to the group etc. They probably think they have done really really well but in reality I've already crossed them off my list. It's important to communicate your ideas but it is also important to know when to listen and give others a chance.

I'm sure you'll do really well figmentspark. Try and relax a little in the interview and show them who theya re getting and I'm sure that will win them over.

Megg568

04-19-2005, 07:27 PM

Ooh, sorry I misread! I agree a lot with the last post. The recruiter is going to be looking for enthusiasm, and a realistic idea about the program. If you have questions, ASK THEM! You will be interviewing with at least one other person, so be prepared for that. One thing I was told is that a LOT of people do pretty stupid things while the other person is speaking. They'll roll their eyes, not pay attention, fidget, etc. Don't think of it as their interview, then your interview. Think of it as a conversation between all three of you.

Also, when you sign up for your interview, it'll probably be obvious who you're interviewing with. Hint, they'll be right in front or in back of you, and will be given the same time as you. While you guys wait, try talking to them a little. That way you'll be more comfortable giving your interview with them watching.

I'll post if I can think of more!

Andrea

04-19-2005, 10:29 PM

You will be interviewing with at least one other person, so be prepared for that.

...

Also, when you sign up for your interview, it'll probably be obvious who you're interviewing with. Hint, they'll be right in front or in back of you, and will be given the same time as you.

Actually, I think this differs by school. I go to NMSU. We're not a necessarily small school (17,000 students), but WDW is not on the top of most people's lists of priorities, and only about thirty to fourty people came to my interview session. I had a one-on-one interview, and it went really, really well. Some other things that happened and suggestions...

-They told us there aren't a lot of openings left at this late of a time in the recruiting season. I'm not so sure how true that was- maybe it was meant to motivate us.
-Select as many choices as you can without going out of the boundaries of what you're willing to do! If you want to work at WDW, you'll give anything a chance, right? :)
-Catch the attention of your interviewers before you actually go into the interview. I got into a conversation with an interviewer and a former CM that I'm acquaintences with, and I turned out to be her first interviewee. It made things a lot easier.
-Be heartfelt about what Disney means to you! I told the story of my father's death and our subsequent trip to WDW when I was seven years old. Sure, it's a sob story, but it's very true and very heartfelt.
-Take a printed version of the wdwcollegepogram.com application with you. This way you can be one of the first people interviewed. When I went, most people had no idea that they needed the printed application. This will make it easier.

(Please excuse my stupid signature. I'm a newbie and need to work out some kinks- obviously. ;) )

Megg568

04-20-2005, 08:02 AM

Well my presentation only had 20 people interview and they still did it in groups of two. But if it is a small group and thats what the recruiter decides, I guess it would be possible to interview alone, but at the three presentations I've been to it was always two.

I absolutly agree about talking to the recruiter before hand. The day of the presentation there will probably be a table set up somewhere in the student union building or a courtyard somewhere with a bunch of campus reps and the recruiter. (PS, what state are you from? Maybe you'll have mine...) You should definatly go check out this table, it will show them how serious you are, and make the recruiter remember you. Its true, this late in the game spots are running short, and you want to do everything you can in order to stand out.

You should also dress professionally. Its not a requirement, and plenty of people get in who are wearing street clothes, but this goes back to what I said about standing out. If you're one of the 10 people dressed properlly for an interview, they'll notice. If you happen to have a resume already, bring it. The College Program application is pretty basic and doesnt give you a lot of room to give your qualifications. When I had my original interview the recruiter said she only received two the whole day, and was very impressed. So it can't hurt to have one, least they can do is not look at it.

Jade-Starr

04-20-2005, 08:39 AM

I have my WDW College Program interview on Thursday. Anyway, I've been anticipating this for months and now that its coming up soon I'm beginning to get rather nervous. So are there any current or past College Program People or even just CMs who can give me pointers? Thanks so much!! :D

Right now I am at Disney as an advanced intern. I was on my first cp program last fall. In the interview be prepared they will ask you a question on how to deal w/ a problem. Mine was "What would you do if your roommates had varying schedules, some were very early/late and were waking up others in the suite?"

My answer was I would have everyone post a schedule and "quiet times" so we could all respect each others' hours"

Be upbeat, be friendly and be sincere. SHOW UP DRESSED AS A PROFESSIONAL! Don't use incorrect grammar. They do NOT take everyone. My school had 45 interviewed and only 20 were given offers.

I *loved* my program. I had been a lifeguard before so I applied for that merchandise etc etc (pretty much everything but qsr, custodial and parking attendant). I showed up and was surprised when I asked if I would be at a waterpark or a resort and they told me neither. I was chosen to work at Mickey's Retreat (cast members only- small park w/ 2 pools and a marina. I was *very* lucky, I think I was the only CP that got to go home for Christmas (we closed for thanksgiving, xmas and new years but new years they deployed me to a resort). This program is what YOU make of it. It can be a waste of time or the most memorable of your life! My roommate (like a sister now) had a horrible job she worked QSR at EPCOT *BUT* it gave her sooo much back. After her program she was chosen to be head of communications for her home school district! They gave her the job because Disney is about coping with difficult situations and it can show you how to shine :)

Jade Starr :)

Jade-Starr

04-20-2005, 08:43 AM

Oh and if you do get in, BRING as much extra CASH as you can save! CP pay stinks :) and there is SO much to do and see! I always got 40 hours BUT one of our friends was only scheduled 32 every week and was constantly being ER'd (early release). A great saver is just get a universal annual pass (like $180ish w/tax) so you can go somewhere other than disney when you feel like it!

Jade Starr :)

Megg568

04-20-2005, 01:31 PM

Or you can pay 15.08 a month for a year for the Universal Pass. Thats what I did. It was really great only paying that much while I was down there, but now that I'm home I'm still paying for it. lol!

Niwel

04-20-2005, 01:44 PM

http://www.mouseplanet.com/kevin/cp040901sl.htm

I would recommend reading this.
Thanks for the plug Disneys Biggest Fan! That summer was the best I spent in my life!
One word: Smile :)
Go in with the Disney look and you'll make a great impression: one ring per hand, stud earrings, natural-looking nails/french manicure; pull your hair back if it is long so you won't be tempted to play with it.
Be confident -- but not cocky; excited but not overeager ... be yourself and you will shine!

Pirate Girl

04-21-2005, 07:18 AM

Here's (http://pub57.ezboard.com/bwaltdisneyworldcollegeprograminformation) a great college program forum.

Pirate Girl

04-21-2005, 07:20 AM

They take just about everyone. They picked some very bad employees during my college program, it made me believe they were more focused on getting more people to get down there than getting actual good employees.

Just dont say anything too horrible in your interview and you will get it.

Interesting, maybe that was just a bad session... everyone I have encountered here is great. They only took 6 people out of the 50 or so that applied at my school, so maybe they are being more pickey.

Andrea

04-21-2005, 10:37 PM

Here's (http://pub57.ezboard.com/bwaltdisneyworldcollegeprograminformation) a great college program forum.

Thanks for the info! Site's a bit slow, but that's alright. ;)

Megg568

04-22-2005, 01:33 PM

So since its Friday I'm assuming you had your interview.... if you did... how did it go? Tell us everything (like who your recruiter was) cause now I'm super curious. Also if you're interested I have a LiveJournal that I started back when I first interviewed for the program, and updated a few times while I was on the program as well. Just email, private message me, or whatever if you want the address. That goes for the rest of you too.

QueenOfSpain

04-22-2005, 01:46 PM

This is so interesting! I'd like to check this out some day...

Just out of curiosity, what are some of your experiences in the program? How did the whole thing work out for you all?

johnnykool327

04-22-2005, 01:57 PM

Just out of curiosity, what are some of your experiences in the program? How did the whole thing work out for you all?

Below is a link to my journal I kept during my college program. There is a link on there to access the first few weeks of my college program, and the link will be reverse-chronogically.
I have had some people ask about my experiences, I hope this will shed some light on them...

My college program journal. Please note this does contain some coarse language, may not be for the easily offended (http://www.xanga.com/home.aspx?user=johnnykool327&nextdate=10%2f2%2f2004+1%3a41%3a27.463)

Niwel

04-22-2005, 02:07 PM

Just out of curiosity, what are some of your experiences in the program? How did the whole thing work out for you all?

You can read about my experience at Disneyland College Program in this series (http://www.mouseplanet.com/kevin/cp030416sl.htm) on Cast Place. Part 2 (http://www.mouseplanet.com/kevin/cp030507sl.htm)
Part 3 (http://www.mouseplanet.com/kevin/cp030514sl.htm)

For all of the times we.ve talked about the College program on MousePlanet (in letters, articles, etc), click here (http://www.google.com/custom?hl=en&lr=&ie=ISO-8859-1&cof=AWFID%3A6b17827e96feb012%3BBGC%3A%23FFFFFF%3BT %3A%23000000%3BLC%3A%230000CC%3BVLC%3A%230000CC%3B ALC%3A%230000CC%3BGALT%3A%23008000%3BGFNT%3A%23000 000%3BGIMP%3A%23000000%3BDIV%3A%230000CC%3BLBGC%3A %23FFFFFF%3BAH%3Acenter%3BS%3Ahttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.mou seplanet.com%3B&domains=mouseplanet.com&q=%22College+program%22&btnG=Search&sitesearch=mouseplanet.com)

figmentspark

04-23-2005, 09:21 AM

So since its Friday I'm assuming you had your interview.... if you did... how did it go? Tell us everything (like who your recruiter was) cause now I'm super curious.
Okay, sorry I didn't do this sooner, I've been busy since then. Okay, my recruter was Michelle. The actual presentation was interesting. The interviewed in pairs and my friend and I got the same interview time. I told her that I would be willing to do the fall quarter program or the basic fall program. I pretty much checked off everything on the role checklist except for lifeguard, housekeeping, resort hopper and costuming. I think the interview went well and now all I have to do is wait... I hope it doesn't take the full 3 weeks to let me know if I got in or not and I hope I DO get in!!!!