I'm a rep, so I'm trying to figure how best to get everyone's questions answered, because after our presentation, I know there are going to be a ton!
I don't want to hurt your feelings, but I'm going to be very honest with you. In fact, you may not even be this type of Rep, so what I'm about to write may not even be applicable. I'm also a former Rep (was for several years), so my opinion does include a bit of knowledge about the job.
I think Campus Reps are wonderful resources for learning about things to do and see while in Florida.
I also think they are wonderful when it comes to finding out who is the best resource at their school to talk to about credit and the like.
I'd also like to add that being a live person able to promote a presentation on campus (hanging posters, doing tables, etc.) is a great asset for a recruiter to have on a campus since they can't be there themselves for any period of time to do these things.
They are also great people to give a testimonial about what they gained from the program (but so is any other alumni who left Disney).
With that said, I think those are really the only good things they are for.
Many Campus Reps (and other alumni) present themselves as having all of the answers and knowing the in's and out's of the program. This is stuff like how it operates, why stuff happens, and related topics. The reality is that Reps don't have any inside information.
Some Reps even misrepresent themselves by calling themselves "Recruiters" and doing other things that make them see more than they really are... former participants who are assisting their recruiter with promoting the program on campus.
I feel that Disney does an excellent job of providing information about how to get ready to do the program and all of that following the interview and accepting an offer. Like I said, Reps can be a resource for fun stuff to do in FL or who to talk to at school, but other than that, let Disney inform people what they need to do.
I've seen Reps and other alumni give completely wrong info on here and other boards. I can't imagine what is said in a live room when an actual recruiter isn't present.
For the record, I may have unintentionally given out incorrect info as well, but I try to make sure that whatever I say is accurate and encourage anyone to verify my statements with Disney instead of taking my word for it. You would be a fool to not verify stuff you read on here with Disney.
You know how they taught us to tell Guests, "I don't know, but I'll find the answer for you?", I don't think a lot of Reps do that or do that enough.
I think the best thing that a Rep or any other alum could do if they aren't 100% certain they are correct is to tell someone who to contact. In fact, I would even go as far as not even attempting to answer any question that wasn't presentation or school related.
I don't think anyone intentionally gives out incorrect info, but I do think people get caught up in the ego of "been there/done that" or being in a position of perceived expertise that they don't want to be humble and refer someone on to the true experts. I've seen that happen. And it happened to me during my first semester as a rep.
Housing question? Contact Disney Housing. Course question? Contact Disney Education. Can't log in? Contact the Tech team. General question? Contact Recruiting.
I'm sorry for the long post. I hope you aren't offended. I don't know you or how you interact with people interested in the program. I really don't recall off the top of my head any negative interaction you've had on here. My statements are just based on my observations and experiences over the years and my general feelings about Campus Reps.
