How to get my parents on board

[njprincess601]

I just applied for the CP for Spring 2011 and am waiting to have my phone interview. I am really excited and really want to do the College Program but my parents aren't as excited.

My dad esp thinks it's a waste of time and that it's stupid to go and work all of those hours just for minimum wage and that I should just stay in school and focus on that and do nothing else. He claims he researched it and is really against it and I don't think he's going to change his mind. He's always been really stubborn.

Anyone else's parents less than thrilled with the CP? How do I change his mind? This is something I really want to do.

 

[TinkerMouse]

I don't know if this will change your dad's mind but here are two big reasons to do the program that he needs to be made aware of so that he'll be more inclined to agree with your going.

One of the most integral tools used to get a job is a resume. Disney is an excellent name to have on a resume since it's a fortune 100 company. It's also a great name for a resume because they're known to train their employees very well. If you're applying for any type of media or entertainment job, the Disney name becomes even more impressive because it's the largest media and entertainment conglomerate in the WORLD!

Do you plan on working for Disney in the future? If so, this is a terrific, one of a kind opportunity because once you've done CP you'll have a leg up when applying for the Disney PI, especially since some of these professional internships require that you've done the CP before. Also, Disney tends to hire from within the company so instead of going to get random new people they'll just rearrange or promote their current employees.

Not to mention being immersed in the work is a real character building experience. Jobs love it when you have experience. The harder your previous job the more they know they can trust you to do this less demanding one.

I hope these help!

 

[cuethemusic]

take him to a campus presentation!

 

[DisneyDame27]

What Tinkermouse has said is true. The training that is provided during your "Traditions" orientation is unique to Disney. It is a philosophy that is marketed regularly by Disney to corporations across the country/world & I'm sure it's not cheap. You get it first hand and then get to use it for the corporation who created it. Companies are impressed when they see that you've done this successfully.

If Dad is still concerned - you can do the CP after school is completed for the summer and return before your semester starts.

 

[i3reakMeAgain]

If Dad is still concerned - you can do the CP after school is completed for the summer and return before your semester starts.

Sadly, this is incorrect. Currently, the only summer option offered is to program alumni only. Due to the ever growing popularity of the program, they also can not guarantee there will be a Summer Alumni Program each year.

 

[Iris]

Another option is to apply your last semester in college and actually do the program after you have finished. As long as you apply while you are still in college, it is all good.

That may be an option your dad could live with.

 

[graygables]

As a parent of 2 who have gone through the program, I struggle with this concept. If you are in college and applying for the program, you are an adult, yes? Adults make decisions about their own lives. It's my job to give my kids roots and wings, it is NOT up to me which direction the wind blows.

Stepping off my soapbox.

Here's the very best reason: #1 best place to start a career. Print it and leave it on his mirror.
http://corporate.disney.go.com/careers/pdfs/disney_businessweek.pdf

 

[sfgadv02]

What Tinkermouse has said is true. The training that is provided during your "Traditions" orientation is unique to Disney. It is a philosophy that is marketed regularly by Disney to corporations across the country/world & I'm sure it's not cheap. You get it first hand and then get to use it for the corporation who created it. Companies are impressed when they see that you've done this successfully.

If Dad is still concerned - you can do the CP after school is completed for the summer and return before your semester starts.

Honestly, at first I thought Traditions was just a boring class, but it's not until I go to other places outside of Disney that I see why Disney is #1 in hospitality. Even the rudest cast member in Disney seem to be the friendliest to guests because no other places IMO delivers the friendliest attitude to their guests.

 

[dakcp2001]

Every single job interview I have had since my CP in 2001 has started with "Oh you worked at Disney?" and then that is how we spend the interview. It is a great ice breaker and there is so much you can say about Disney that relates to any type of work. Most companies are familiar with Disney and the standards they hold their employees to, and it looks terrific on a resume. Everyone knows "Disney" standards of hospitality and customer service, it is second to none.

Disney is like a well oiled machine, and they teach you dependability & punctuality. You have to be independent and self reliant, and this translates well into ANY field of work. It is good real world prep for your future. My parents were 100% against is, but it was one of the best experiences ever!! I wouldnt change it for the world.

Your parents will come around, you are old enough to start living your life and making your own career path.

It also opens up doors if you want to work for any Disney affiliates later on after graduation.