Any tips for post-college Disney employment?

[starbaby0103]

I graduated from college last May and have been hoping to score a job with the Disney Company. I know I want to work for Disney in some capacity, whether it be consumer products, WDIG, theme parks, movies, etc.....I'm sure many of you share the passion for this company! I always wanted to do the college program, but unfortunately, it just never worked out for me. Do any of you have any ideas/tips for breaking into the Disney world in a "professional" role?

Recently, I've been giving some thought to just moving to Orlando and picking up a full time hourly role in guest services or something in the hopes of trying to move up from the inside.....any thoughts on that? Or know how difficult or easy it is for upward mobility in those kinds of roles?

 

[hopesethigh]

From what I have been told...

Disney usually hires from 'within' when it comes to professional roles. So...personally I would guess it would be easier to get an hourly role (if you can afford to live on that pay) and then do your best to move up.

But I'm no expert. I know if you look into Disney World Employment, they have a phone number you can call to get more information on the hourly roles.

BTW, where do you live now? Would it be a big move to Orlando? If so, have you considered maybe Disneyland? You would be close to the Disney Studio if you want to get into movies.

Hope I was of some help! I'm sure someone will be on later to give you some better tips!

 

[starbaby0103]

orlando is way closer! i'm in NC! but i am absolutely not adverse to moving to CA...i've always felt like my place in this world is somewhere within the entertainment industry. and i would love to move to the west coast!

right now, i'm working in corporate communications for one of the biggest banks in the nation and i know that's not for me! that's why i thought if i had to, i could move down there, take an hourly role for a little while and try to get in to a "better" role from the inside. but i'm sure it would be a big pay cut for me and i know the cost of living there is much higher than it is here....so i don't know!

but thanks for weighing in! i appreciate any and all help, advice, etc!

 

[DisneyGuy77]

I graduated from college last May and have been hoping to score a job with the Disney Company. I know I want to work for Disney in some capacity, whether it be consumer products, WDIG, theme parks, movies, etc.....I'm sure many of you share the passion for this company! I always wanted to do the college program, but unfortunately, it just never worked out for me. Do any of you have any ideas/tips for breaking into the Disney world in a "professional" role?

Recently, I've been giving some thought to just moving to Orlando and picking up a full time hourly role in guest services or something in the hopes of trying to move up from the inside.....any thoughts on that? Or know how difficult or easy it is for upward mobility in those kinds of roles?

I too graduated last may and am looking into doing the same thing you are. Perhaps we could compare notes? Send me a PM if you want, and we can discuss it further.

 

[lamagique]

Disney seems to be a really easy company to move up in if you are motivated and qualified. It seems to me that you have a lot of qualifications. I would say moving to Florida would be a good option. The hourly pay is low, but there is a chance that you can start higher if you have experience. Check out www.disneycareers.com and they have a listing of all the jobs available right now. You can check out which ones you are interested in and apply and then move if you get accepted, or you can start off doing an hourly and move your way up like that. But Disney definitely needs people--the more, the merrier--so I say give it a whirl! (But I do think there are more options in Florida than in California, BTW.)

 

[starbaby0103]

thanks for all the input! i've had my eye on the disney jobs site and have been applying for the "professional" jobs whenever i found something that i thought could possibly be a good fit.

i guess the hardest part for me is leaving my current job (which pays well, esp given the relatively low cost of living here) and just moving with nothing but a hope of moving up from an hourly position.....my "specialty" is writing and editing and i just worry that taking a position that doesn't utilize those skills will hurt me when i do find that "perfect fit." i do have a working portfolio of writing sampes, but being a recent grad, it's not incredibly extensive! i just thought i would have a better chance of getting in if i was already on the inside....even if it was something hourly.