Anyone know which colleges/universities Disney actively recruits at?

[tommygunn]

Apologies if this is the wrong forum but I could use some help. My daughter really wants to get into the college program and is looking at schools now. I know anyone can apply to the program but is there a list somewhere of where Disney actively recruits and/or comes to campus. Thanks in advance fellow nerds.

 

[cvjw]

I’ve seen them on campus at UGA - the university of Georgia.

 

[Newsies]

Disney no longer has an active program where recruiters/affiliates from the company visit universities to talk about the program. That ended a short while ago. However-- many campus career resource centers would be more than happy to provide more information or put her in touch with other alumni! Many schools also host local panels with Program alumni from the school.

 

[tommygunn]

Thanks newsies. Does anyone know which schools historically seem to have a lot of students accepted to the program?

 

[goofy4tink]

Back in '12, when my dd was actively looking at schools, DCP was one of the things she was interested in. Only one school had any understanding of it..the rest had no idea what she was talking about. Many kids in the program are having issues keeping their scholarships while in the program. It would seem that colleges no longer work with DCP.
As far as what colleges have more kids accepted into the program goes, I don't think there is any rhyme or reason. I've never heard of one or two schools having more kids accepted than other schools.

 

[TikiTaylor]

Your school isn't related to whether you are accepted. Honestly, as well as anyone knows, there's not a lot of rhyme or reason to the process! My recruiter wasn't even really aware of my school, I had to tell her the name, etc. The school is only needed to verify that you are currently enrolled. Like the previous poster mentioned, she needs to be aware of any issues with her scholarships, and that it has to be done during one semester, meaning that she would miss a semester of school unless she wants to do online courses. In my own case I am starting the DCP after my graduation, because my school definitely would not have been a fan of me missing a full semester to work for Disney, and we don't even offer online courses.

 

[goofy4tink]

Your school isn't related to whether you are accepted. Honestly, as well as anyone knows, ther e's not a lot of rhyme or reason to the process! My recruiter wasn't even really aware of my school, I had to tell her the name, etc. The school is only needed to verify that you are currently enrolled. Like the previous poster mentioned, she needs to be aware of any issues with her scholarships, and that it has to be done during one semester, meaning that she would miss a semester of school unless she wants to do online courses. In my own case I am starting the DCP after my graduation, because my school definitely would not have been a fan of me missing a full semester to work for Disney, and we don't even offer online courses.

This is what my dd did. She didn't want to jeopardize her financial aid pkg, and she knew that once she got to WDW, she would find it hard to just do one program. So, she waited until her senior year, and applied then. Yes, she took a chance due to her having only two chances to apply. But, that's changed now...I believe you can apply up to a year after finishing college.

 

[tommygunn]

This is very helpful thanks so much to all. Does anyone know the difference between the college program and the professional internships?

 

[SureAsLiz]

This is very helpful thanks so much to all. Does anyone know the difference between the college program and the professional internships?

They are two completely different things

The DCP, though technically called one, isn't really an internship. Students participating in this program work in the parks/resorts in roles like food service, attractions, and merchandise.

A professional internship is more in line with the classic description of an internship - many are in offices with standard 9-5 M-F working hours, though there are some exceptions (engineering, horticulture, Wilderness Explorers, guest relations, things like that)
A PI is designed to start building professional experience in whatever field one studies, and is far more likely to be considered for credit by colleges.

 

[HeightRequirement]

Agree. The DCP is more like a customer service job, which the PI is more akin to what is expected in an internship.

 

[Arielfan98]

I understand DCP is very important to her, but from the words of someone who is graduating college in 2 days, I just want to say it's best she chooses the school that is best for her overall. I would also chime in by saying I have never heard of the DCP favoring students from one school to another. I go to a medium sized state university and Disney brings their reps to my college campus once a year. Who knows, she may change her mind and want to study abroad instead or find another internship better for her. You never know because college is a serious time of change, so I would advise she pick a school she is comfortable at. Good luck!!