Old lady, going for my masters, what is the PI about (and how do I get in?)

[graygables]

I have 2 DDs who have done the CP at WDW, one went to work there full-time while she finishes her degree (call center), the other was a Fairy Godmother in Training who decided to go to cosmetology school, but has picked up enough hours to maintain seasonal P/T status, so while I enjoy being a CM-Mom, I'd rather be a CM myself (one of the things on my bucket list is to sing in the Candlelight Processional!)

I've decided to pursue my master's degree in the Spring and was wondering how the PI works (neither DD really knows). Is it a post-degree situation or during? What is the pay like? What about the application process? Hubby has already volunteered to sell turkey legs in Frontierland if we needed to move for awhile...

TIA for any information!

 

[CindyKansas]

I will bump this because I am interested too. I already have a BS in Natural Resource Management/Parks and Recreation but I returned to college earlier this year to work on an education degree BUT I am seriously thinking of just going for my masters. I'd really like to fit in a session at WDW. DD is planning on being in the CP at WDW in August 2008 and I really don't think DH would want both of us gone at the same time, but then again maybe he would.

 

[Flower4Pwr]

Well, the pay varies depending on the role. I think it's anywhere from 8$/hr to 12$/hr but that's a wild guess. Like the CP you can do it during or after you have your degree.
The positions are posted on disneyinterns.com in January and July. They usually do a preliminary interview done by Disney Recruiting. If they think you will be a good fit they forward your information on the the department that you applied for. Hopefully from there you get your offer!
Hope this info helps. Really if you go http://www.disneyinterns.com it has more information on the positions.

 

[APB513]

I've decided to pursue my master's degree in the Spring and was wondering how the PI works (neither DD really knows). Is it a post-degree situation or during? What is the pay like? What about the application process? Hubby has already volunteered to sell turkey legs in Frontierland if we needed to move for awhile...

TIA for any information!

Hi graygables!!

It sounds like you and I are on the same page. I am a 39 yo single mother of two and I am going back to get my Master's. I start next Monday I'm very excited!!!

I would also LOVE to work for Disney and I am interested in finding out more about the internship program.

I would be interested in any information that people have to share!!!

 

[Berlioz70]

Hi graygables!!

It sounds like you and I are on the same page. I am a 39 yo single mother of two and I am going back to get my Master's. I start next Monday I'm very excited!!!

I would also LOVE to work for Disney and I am interested in finding out more about the internship program.

I would be interested in any information that people have to share!!!

Hello everyone - I do not have all of the answers, having never done the program myself, but I will have my masters degree in May and have therefore done a lot of research. There are a couple of things to look for when searching for internships - first is the qualifications. A couple things I noticed is that preference for most roles are given to CP alum, which makes it more difficult for those of us who didn't do that. Another thing I noticed is that some of the roles require that you return to your studies following the position - in other words, you cannot do the role after you graduate, you still have to have a semester remaining (which I won't have).

Another problem I started encountering was the fact that only a very few amount of the roles actually include housing, most roles require you to provide your own housing. While my DH is incredibly supportive, he does not want to move to Florida so I decided housing has to be MUST for me.

On top of internships, consider searching for Graduate Assistantships - there are some of those offered as well (but most require that you return to studies following completion). Based on everything above, and a conversation with two Disney recruiters, I have decided to apply for the CP instead of a PI. Even though I'll be older than most participants, I think it's the best option for me!

 

[Stitch_lover_Sith]

Not having done the PI myself but knowing a bit about the process, you have to successfully complete a college program before you can even apply to the program. I found this out and did the CP instead. But now that I have that out of the way my last year of school I am going to apply to the Marketing department. The reason behind this I think is so you are a known entity within the company and so you know how it works from the ground up. So build in enough time for both programs. Good luck with your Masters.
Erin

 

[graygables]

Another thing I noticed is that some of the roles require that you return to your studies following the position - in other words, you cannot do the role after you graduate, you still have to have a semester remaining (which I won't have).

I read in the FAQs that they only require you to be a student at the time of application, so you can graduate in May and start the program in June (since you applied in your last semester).

My plan is to do the CP in Spring 2009 (along with my 2nd oldest who wants to do a 2nd CP...wonder if they'd put us in the same work location, that could be fun!). I'd then apply for the PI for Spring 2010.

The question I just emailed them, however, was about the "junior/senior" requirement in some of the PIs I'm interested in. I don't know if they allow Master's level students to apply for those. I'll be bummed if they don't.

 

[Berlioz70]

I read in the FAQs that they only require you to be a student at the time of application, so you can graduate in May and start the program in June (since you applied in your last semester).

Yes, I didn't mean to say that you CAN'T - however, you cannot apply for all positions, you have to read the job qualifications.

For example, the required qualifications for the Entertainment Production Internship reads: "This program is a partnership between Walt Disney World and the educational institution therefore students will be required to resume their studies upon completion of this program."

Just make sure you watch for those!

 

[Flower4Pwr]

My plan is to do the CP in Spring 2009 (along with my 2nd oldest who wants to do a 2nd CP...wonder if they'd put us in the same work location, that could be fun!). I'd then apply for the PI for Spring 2010.

With so much time until your internship you shouldn't even worry yourself about the Jr./Sr. requirement! Simply because it's impossible to know what the requirements will be 2 1/2 years from now. Or if the position will even be available. There are a number of internships where they actually prefer grad students so I think they just want you to be in your final years of school, and not necessarily an undergrad. When I did my Professional internship in Fall 2005 there was no requirement for major or year, but now there is! So things could definitely change as time gets closer.

 

[GoofyBaby]

Hi graygables!!

It sounds like you and I are on the same page. I am a 39 yo single mother of two and I am going back to get my Master's. I start next Monday I'm very excited!!!

I would also LOVE to work for Disney and I am interested in finding out more about the internship program.

I would be interested in any information that people have to share!!!

YAY! I love seeing us "more life experienced" DISers wanting to do CP/PI! Doing the CP is also on my bucket list! I am 35 and a junior in college, going for Music Education at UNT. I say you're never too old!