My daughter is a Journalism major and WDW Internship

[JanetRose]

I told her that she should apply for an intern at WDW but she told me that it would have nothing to do with her major – but wouldn’t she get something out of it? Do they put their interns through some kind of training that can apply to all jobs?

 

[ducklite]

I told her that she should apply for an intern at WDW but she told me that it would have nothing to do with her major – but wouldn’t she get something out of it? Do they put their interns through some kind of training that can apply to all jobs?

They have internships and the college program. Generally, the internships are paid internships for up to one year after graduation. The internship would be directly related to the major and career path and are highly competitive to obtain.

The college program isn't always that way, and is generally one semester during a four year degree. She would end up in merchentertainment, food services, attractions, or front desk of a resort, or something along those lines. The CP is not going to further a journalism career.

As an FYI, there's not a ton of journalism/pr work done in Florida, most of it is out of NYC and CA.

In all honesty, unless she can get one of the true internships after she graduates, she'd be better off looking for an internship in her field.

Anne

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

It all depends.

I was a television production major when I applied and was accepted. Due to finances, I could not participate.

The first internship with Disney--you are stuck with entry level stuff. Upon completion--you get your "Mouseters". You can then go back and get your "ducktorate". This is a second internship that can be in a specialized field (based on what they have available). They accept all types. Your daughter probably would not get academic credit for it unless she had a minor or something. You can (at least from when my brother did it) do some community college classes. So it can be a way for her to enjoy a semester, take care of some of her non-degree related required course work.

As ducklite said--it won't further her journalism career..but depending on what specifically she is interested in once she graduates--it could be an asset. Especially if she goes back for the second internship. You never know.

I disagree that there isn't any journalism opportunities in Florida. There is lots of journalism in Florida--lots of newspapers and such. Within corporations even. There are local magazines in the major metropolitan areas. Unless she's interested in hitting the big time--Florida by itself is sufficient for building a succesful journalism career.

I chose to apply to the program b/c I thought it would be fun and refreshing. If she isn't even interested in that component, she shouldn't bother. Some do the program and hate it. My brother was an Art History Major (now teacher) and LOVED it. My cousin is a Disney freak and LOVED it. Some are mad and hate it b/c they didn't anticipate spending their summer picking up trash. But that is one of the disclosed areas that a student could get placed in. You do know which general area when you are accepted.

 

[ducklite]

I disagree that there isn't any journalism opportunities in Florida. There is lots of journalism in Florida--lots of newspapers and such. Within corporations even. There are local magazines in the major metropolitan areas. Unless she's interested in hitting the big time--Florida by itself is sufficient for building a succesful journalism career.

I was referring specifically to opportunities at Disney in FL. Most of Disney's PR is handled in NYC and CA.

Speaking broadly, yes, there are tons of journalism opportunities here. I write for a local arts and entertainment magazine.

Anne

 

[SyracuseWolvrine]

A lot of the skills that you learn while working for Disney are skills that will look good to any prospective employer. People skills, teamwork, communication, time management, accountability, etc. And, of course, you get to have a Fortune 500 company listed on your resume.

 

[smilingmouse]

A lot of the skills that you learn while working for Disney are skills that will look good to any prospective employer. People skills, teamwork, communication, time management, accountability, etc. And, of course, you get to have a Fortune 500 company listed on your resume.

I did both the CP and an advanced internship (bow called professional internships) a couple years ago. One of the nice things about working for Disney is that you can discuss your Disney experience in future interviews. I have been asked about Disney in every interview that I have had since I completed my internships.

Feel free to PM me if you have any quesions.

 

[SoonerKate]

Many professional internships now don't require you to have done the college program to participate. They're listed at disneycareers.com, and there are plenty that are communications-focused. Not necessarily journalism, but it couldn't hurt!