Job with Disney. Help?

[Verstehen]

So I'm 22, a recent college grad, and it's time to start thinking about my future. I've applied to a bunch of grad schools, but that doesn't look incredibly promising. Anyway, I digress...

I would really, really like to work for Disney. I like companies that value customer service, so it seems like a really good fit for me. I wouldn't even mind operating the rides, but what I should focus on is finding a professional job. There are a few openings that I want to apply for, but I've never done anything like this, and I really want to do it right. This is the only Disney-based board that I really go to, so I'm hoping someone here can help me, or at least point me in the direction of someplace/someone that can.

What I really want to know is what they're looking for in candidates, resumes, and cover letters. Please help me, and you will have my eternal gratitude!

 

[Handbag Lady]

Have you tried looking at disney.com/jobs?

That is your starting point; upload your resume. You will be able to search for Disney jobs that are not just ride operators and such that people seem to think of when they think of Disney.

What are the looking for in a candidate? Someone who will do a good job, works well with others, and is clean and presentable, for starters.

 

[Verstehen]

Oh, I should have mentioned I'm already on the job site This is just such new territory for me, so I'm looking for any advice I can get.

 

[NatashaDisneyCM]

So I'm 22, a recent college grad, and it's time to start thinking about my future. I've applied to a bunch of grad schools, but that doesn't look incredibly promising. Anyway, I digress...

I would really, really like to work for Disney. I like companies that value customer service, so it seems like a really good fit for me. I wouldn't even mind operating the rides, but what I should focus on is finding a professional job. There are a few openings that I want to apply for, but I've never done anything like this, and I really want to do it right. This is the only Disney-based board that I really go to, so I'm hoping someone here can help me, or at least point me in the direction of someplace/someone that can.

What I really want to know is what they're looking for in candidates, resumes, and cover letters. Please help me, and you will have my eternal gratitude!

you could also look at your local Disney store to do PT hours (which is what you get anyways) and that would get your foot in the door. They hire in july/august time of the year/ and then you can pursue a more professional job and work the store for a few hours a week! Then when you are ready and been with the company for a bit, look to transfer!

 

[metalis4ever]

So I'm 22, a recent college grad, and it's time to start thinking about my future. I've applied to a bunch of grad schools, but that doesn't look incredibly promising. Anyway, I digress...

I would really, really like to work for Disney. I like companies that value customer service, so it seems like a really good fit for me. I wouldn't even mind operating the rides, but what I should focus on is finding a professional job. There are a few openings that I want to apply for, but I've never done anything like this, and I really want to do it right. This is the only Disney-based board that I really go to, so I'm hoping someone here can help me, or at least point me in the direction of someplace/someone that can.

What I really want to know is what they're looking for in candidates, resumes, and cover letters. Please help me, and you will have my eternal gratitude!

Speaking from personal experience it is very difficult to get a job with Disney right out of college unless you want to start at the bottom...Which is fine as long as you go in knowing that you are going to have to pay your dues and approach the situation with realistic expectations....

While in undergrad did you happen to participate in the WDW College Program?

Also speaking from experience you may want to look into University of Central Florida for Graduate school, and get a job part time at Disney World...get your foot in the door at Disney and finish you education at UCF...While in grad school you may even be able to apply for the WDW College Program and then get into an advanced internship program through Disney...

I personally participated in the WDW College Program in undergrad and after graduating applied for a few positions in Theme Park Operations (administration position) but unfortunately I did not have the experience they were looking for. That didn't work out but I have an amazing job up here but as amazing as it is it's not Disney, one day I'll make it down there

My understanding is that for administration positions they are looking for people with at least 3 years experience working in an office environment, strong educational background and strong professional and personal references...So basically what everyone else looks for...But unlike everyone else Disney doesn't settle which is why they are so good at what they do.....Having said that pull up the job site and read the requirements of every job, find one that you come close to meeting and one that you will enjoy and apply...Then just learn everything about Disney and Customer service and nail the interview...Good Luck

But if you just wanted to start at the bottom (nothing wrong with the bottom, I've been there , we all have to start somewhere) and work your way up go for it!! Just don't expect to be able to pay off your student loans anytime soon

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Getting a professional job is extremely difficult, even with prior company experience.

It took my cousin many many months to get into marketing. She held out by taking a marketing position at the Orlando Ballet Company until they finally brought her on board and she's been loving the job ever since. She has done both college programs and some dance assignments at the overseas parks and it was still extremely difficult for her to get in straight away as a professional.

My brother has a college degree--and it was hourly all the way. He tried to work his way up to no avail. He finally left the company after 2 or 3 years and he and his partner moved to South Carolina.

I wish you luck. I haven't much to offer except that if it is somethiing you wish to do, patience and perserverence is key. Even when the economy is good, it isn't easy getting in. It's a very promotions within type of company.

My husband even applied directly for an an engineering opening. I believe he had a phone interview. But they never called back. My cousin's husband who worked in engineering for Disney (but has since left)--even said that when they need to fill a spot where an opening exists, it can be months before they actually fill it.

Good luck. If you speak to lots of leads at Disney, you will discover that a great many of them started at the bottom and worked their way up.

 

[Handbag Lady]

Oh, I should have mentioned I'm already on the job site This is just such new territory for me, so I'm looking for any advice I can get.

Are you looking for just something at the theme parks? There are so many different divisions all over the states. I saw you were in NH, so I thought maybe starting for something there is what you were going for...?

I do know that both jobs and internships are pulled from the website. So, that is a great place to start. If you are willing to relocate, make sure that is there at least in the body of your CL or resume.