PI Program/Other Options Post-graduation

[lidepi]

I have had literally zero luck at all finding a position or opening in my field via Disney's own websites that I seem eligible for. I graduated college with Biology/Chemistry and minor in psychology and am looking for a position with Disney's science/horticulture/zoology departments. So far all I have been able to find are professional internships - which I don't believe I am eligible for as I graduated greater than 6 months ago. I have been employed in the biology/biotech industry since my graduation if that matters.

Does anyone have any ideas on how to get into contact with someone for these positions? I would be willing to do the PI program if I can find a way in, as I'm not sure how someone get's into the jobs after that anyway. Thanks!!

 

[sonshineandsmiles]

I visited the Disney Career center and they said to review their job postings everyday; and your right, most of the openings either do not apply or require Disney experience. You probably need to keeping checking daily or network your way in. Not very encouraging, especially when you know how qualified you are.

Good Luck!

 

[lidepi]

Would you say the DisneyCareers site is the best place to look? Also, have you ever seen any openings that would relate in anyway to what I am looking for?

It seems that a majority of the positions that I would be interested in might solely be populated by the college program or professional internship people.

Are there recruiters or anyone that you think it would be worth contacting for this? I have seen a few recommendations to contact the Job Line or Casting Center but I'm not sure if they'd be of any help.

Sorry for all the questions, I just feel like I might be too late to be able to pursue a career at Disney in the field I am interested in.

 

[sonshineandsmiles]

I do not think you're too late for a Disney career, but according to phone calls to the Disney Career Center and in-person visits, they post openings daily. I have noticed that some of the better openings seem to 'disappear' from the listings quickly. That could indicate they want to fill the position internally.

Once you have your resume in the system, they code it so that other departments have access for review. You may have to apply for something outside of your field to get your resume on file.

I am under the impression that they also consider employee referrals, so this is one of the advantages of the Disney College Program (networking). Also just read an article that said 'seasonal' employees seem to have a better advantage for full-time.

Haven't seen anything in the last week or so in your field, but I did notice they even post new job availability on the weekends. Not having a 'contact', I can only offer that you be diligent in checking the disneycareer.com site.

They hire every day and people leave every day, so you never know when your opening will happen! Never give up! The best of luck to you!

 

[lidepi]

I actually applied to a Lab Associate (Intern) position in Boston/Pittsburgh because the job posting was so vague I had NO idea what the scientific discipline was that they were looking to get someone for.

Based on the location, I have discovered after some research that it appears it isn't in my field. Hopefully this will get my resume up there, though I am skeptical this works and would get me any preference.

Maybe I should have written down any number of the cast members that I know that are currently employed there. I didn't think they would be able to help because most are entertainment, hospitality or operations. I don't know anyone that works in a field I am interested in.

 

[sonshineandsmiles]

Keep applying . . . we know it can't hurt.

You can also check dashboard to see the status of your app.

Maybe you could apply for a management-type job that would at least get your foot in he door.

 

[lidepi]

Yeah I will keep checking the dashboard. But as far as a management job, I'm not sure I could move for something like that. I am currently in Boston and work for a pharmaceutical company (not sales). I am more looking to do something I'll like more, and would be happy with for the long-term. I make very good money doing what I am doing now, but it is NOT something I would be happy doing for my life.

 

[sonshineandsmiles]

Understand and it makes sense . . . good luck

 

[lidepi]

Thanks for the help! It helps to hear some other people's ideas, especially when I have been extremely discouraged by the fact that I don't see any jobs available and have limited exposure to animal care and post-grad research

 

[sonshineandsmiles]

Probably not anything you would want to do; however, I just read about someone who enrolled in one class at a Community College so they could apply for the College Program.

 

[lidepi]

Well I actually have applied for the college program recently. I am having some hesitation with this as there are no roles that are close to what I am interested in or went to school for. I would basically do the CP and be looking the whole time to get into a full time position that I BELIEVE I can apply for here without going to Florida.

I'm eager to see if anyone currently at Disney or familiar with their existing positions has any insight as well.

 

[lidepi]

I recently applied to the college program because it seems this might be one of the only ways to start working there at all. Basically I believe that working through CP positively and doing a good job would line me up to get a PI.. only problem is I'm technically not in school. I had the idea to enroll in courses just to make me eligible for the CP/PI programs, but since I graduated and hold a degree currently I'm not sure if that will effect me.

My end goal is to work through CP, hopefully get a PI and move up into a science/animal based role. My hesitance stems from my job currently - I have a job in pharmaceuticals which is paying pretty well and it would be a pretty huge decision to quit that for a CP position merely hoping for the ability to move further.

Does anyone have an opinion on if this is realistic or not? Anything would be helpful!

 

[ibaw]

My advice would be a friendly reminder. For the professional internships (excluding the alumni only ones) Disney is looking for the best in their fields that align themselves with the quality/standards/practices of the Walt Disney Company. Therefore there is no guarantee that participating in the CP will help your application for a PI. Now there are exceptions, networking opportunities or the alumni only PIs/ those which require a strong knowledge of the Disney brand/product.

I fear too many people believe believe that the key to getting a PI is having participated in the CP and do not realize how important their experiences/schooling within the field of the PI can be.

Just my thoughts

 

[lidepi]

I guess my worry is that the job I am currently in is not closely related to what I want to do career-wise and I don't want to get locked into this due to lack of experience elsewhere. I didn't do fantastic in school, but do meet the minimum requirements for most of the PI's that I am interested in. Only issue being I'm not currently in school (graduated with Biology major, Psychology minor). I think that there must be a better option than enrolling in a cheap college for a BS class simply to be eligible for the PI and CP programs.

I know I missed out on the PI's for this Spring, but when would the new roles be posted? I'm thinking about passing on the CP this time around (Spring 2013) and continuing at the job I am at while looking for positions elsewhere to gain relevant experience to what I want to do at Disney. Obviously during this time I would continue looking at Disney openings as well, being my dream and all

 

[fall08CP]

I have several friends with science degrees who have done multiple CPs and PIs and still can't find a FT position. They're extremely competitive and seem to pull from within. It's not who you know, it's who knows YOU. I wish you luck, but wanted to share my firsthand knowledge. The positions don't have very high turnover.

 

[lidepi]

What have your friends done since their CPs and PIs? Are they seasonal employees at Disney or have they found full-time employment in a different role there?

I guess my biggest worry is if I do a CP and get down there, finish it, and have nothing to do and have to move back home. I don't mind working and showing my worth in an unrelated role for some time before being considered for other openings. I have been reading through the CP question thread, but most of the information in there seems to be outdated as it is at least 3 years old. Is it any easier now to gain full-time employment after completion of a college program or at least stay there with enough hours to scrape by?