In College and Doing class on Disney CP

[Dudetrue]

Hi, I am in a college course which helps to decide the path students need to propel them in the direction that they would like to go in the future. I would like to be employed by Disney after doing the CP in a future semester. I would be forever grateful if someone could help me out by answering a few questions. Thanks in advance.

1. Are there special skills you need to work in a WDW store? Does everyone start at a certain level (like merchandising) and perhaps be promoted to a future management position?

2. To be part of the merchandising team at Disney CP is there any special certification or special testing?

3. Are there any required courses that would be helpful to have in advance?
Say, certain computer or business courses?

4. How difficult is it to find a position at a WDW Park retail store? Are there changes coming in the way that Disney hires due to the difficult economy?

5. Does one need a background in retail or management to find a position?

6. Is there something special that stands out to Disney?

Thanks and hope to be there someday!

 

[::Snow_White::]

Are you asking specifically about the CP? I'm a merchandise CP at Hollywood this fall.

1. Are there special skills you need to work in a WDW store? Does everyone start at a certain level (like merchandising) and perhaps be promoted to a future management position? I had no retail experience before this program. I work at a library at home so I understand computers and things like that which may help. Most of my managers did the CP before they became what they are. I have a 22 year old manager who also did the CP, so there is a very good possibility. You don't need any special skills, they teach you everything in training.

2. To be part of the merchandising team at Disney CP is there any special certification or special testing? No, you will be trained for the job when you get there. You have an "assessment" which is basically a very easy test.

3. Are there any required courses that would be helpful to have in advance?
Say, certain computer or business courses? Merchandise is simple and easy, as long as you are familiar with computers, you'll be fine. There isn't really anything about merchandise that requires intense computer knowledge anyway. You wouldn't use any of the information or skills from merchandise in any other job other than register. It's mostly being fast and your skills with people that matter.

4. How difficult is it to find a position at a WDW Park retail store? Are there changes coming in the way that Disney hires due to the difficult economy? I don't know about PT or FT jobs. I believe they hire a lot of CPs afterwards since merchandise is nearly the largest section of WDW. I can say that many many CPs are picked for merchandise.

5. Does one need a background in retail or management to find a position?
For the CP, no. For PT or FT, I assume no as well if you are just starting out on registers and stocking. For management positions and whatnot, I would think they would prefer you to.

6. Is there something special that stands out to Disney?
Ability to solve problems, ask questions when you don't know answers, being honest, truthful, and just making sure you can interact with guests and make sure they are having a great time.

 

[Dudetrue]

Thank you so much for your prompt answers. I have 2 Associates degrees and have been working for a long time. I decided I wanted to finish my Bachelor's degree and live a dream that I have had for a long time to work for Disney. I'm just starting now so I really appreciate the help. I will study these boards and the WDW career web site.

Thanks