PI Question

[WDWisMyLaughingPlace]

Hi everyone!

I'm a Fall 2013 hopeful for either the CP or a PI. I have never done the CP before, so this would be my first time applying.

My question is regarding the likelihood of being hired for a PI without being a CP alum. I have heard people say that if you are truly qualified for the job, you could be hired even without having the CP first, but is that really true? Is there anybody out there who got a PI without the CP or knows anyone who did?

Thanks!

 

[khancock]

Many require previous Disney College Program experience. Many do not.

The likelihood of you being considered for one of the DCP alumni positions is zero. For those, the only way to be "truly qualified" is to be an alumnus.

The others depend on whether you meet all of the required qualifications and most, if not all, of the desired or preferred qualifications.

Many that do not require previous DCP experience do list this as a desired/preferred qualification. While that may give an edge to a DCP alumnus, it would not automatically disqualify anyone who does not have that experience.

Since they just started posting yesterday, I don't think that they have everything up just yet. I did not see any of the alumni-only postings.

 

[WDWisMyLaughingPlace]

Thank you for replying so quickly! Your advice was definitely helpful!

I've heard about the alumni only positions, so I knew that those would definitely be out of my reach, but I was glad to see that there are a fair amount of positions that are not alumni-only.

I won't be applying until the next recruiting season, but I wanted to stay up to date with what's being posted now so that there are no surprises when I start applying for Fall '13.

Thanks again!

If anyone else out there has any thoughts/opinions on the topic, I'd definitely appreciate it!

 

[Krystal1]

Hey, I'm applying for the Fall 2013 CP run as well (possibly fall advantage) and my plan is to do a PI once I'm done as well. The one that I'm going for is alumni only and I'm hoping strongly that I get it! Wishing us both luck!

 

[ibaw]

I participated in 2 different PIs (one in the Fall of 2009 and one in the Fall of 2011). I had never participated in the CP, however I had previously worked as a seasonal cast member. It is absolutely possible to be hired without participating in the CP, if the internship allows for it. If you have any questions let me know!

 

[tiggersmyguy]

My daughter is starting her 2nd PI at WDW. She never did the CP prior to being hired. I think alot depends on the position they are hiring for. She is an engineering major so that is a little more specialized.

 

[WDWisMyLaughingPlace]

Hey, I'm applying for the Fall 2013 CP run as well (possibly fall advantage) and my plan is to do a PI once I'm done as well. The one that I'm going for is alumni only and I'm hoping strongly that I get it! Wishing us both luck!

Krystal, thanks for the kind words! It sounds like we have identical goals!! Good luck to you too.

You might already know this, but there's an active facebook group for Fall '13 CP hopefuls. If you would like a link to it, I'd be happy to post it for you!

I participated in 2 different PIs (one in the Fall of 2009 and one in the Fall of 2011). I had never participated in the CP, however I had previously worked as a seasonal cast member. It is absolutely possible to be hired without participating in the CP, if the internship allows for it. If you have any questions let me know!

Thank you for the words of encouragement! Whenever I inquire about this, I always seem to find more answers leaning towards the no side, but it is a relief to know that it is possible, as you are living proof of it!
Which 2 PI's did you complete? And what was your seasonal role? Thanks!

My daughter is starting her 2nd PI at WDW. She never did the CP prior to being hired. I think alot depends on the position they are hiring for. She is an engineering major so that is a little more specialized.

Thanks for your reply! Like I said to ibaw, I'm so glad to know that my dreams are possible! In the case of your daughter, it might be her specialization that helped her to get the job. Congrats to her on participating in 2 PI's!! That's awesome!

 

[aznshents]

I'm on a PI now. When I got here, I thought that people who had not done CPs beforehand were a minority and was surprised whenever I met them.

But a few months in, I realized- they're EVERYWHERE. All of my roommates and some of my best friends I made so far have not done the CP, and it's frightening! To me, at least, haha. I connect a lot better to people who HAVE previously done the CP...

 

[WDWisMyLaughingPlace]

I'm on a PI now. When I got here, I thought that people who had not done CPs beforehand were a minority and was surprised whenever I met them.

But a few months in, I realized- they're EVERYWHERE. All of my roommates and some of my best friends I made so far have not done the CP, and it's frightening! To me, at least, haha. I connect a lot better to people who HAVE previously done the CP...

Wow! That is very surprising to hear! Like yourself, I have always been under the impression that without the CP, the chances of getting a PI are slim to none, but I am so glad that that has changed!

I have always wanted to do the CP, but I am highly considering pursuing a future career with Disney, so I've been feeling like I am better off starting with a PI and working my way up from there, as opposed to starting with the CP and then going into a PI. That's my assumption...definitely correct me if I'm wrong!

Also, which PI are you doing?

 

[aznshents]

Wow! That is very surprising to hear! Like yourself, I have always been under the impression that without the CP, the chances of getting a PI are slim to none, but I am so glad that that has changed!

I have always wanted to do the CP, but I am highly considering pursuing a future career with Disney, so I've been feeling like I am better off starting with a PI and working my way up from there, as opposed to starting with the CP and then going into a PI. That's my assumption...definitely correct me if I'm wrong!

Also, which PI are you doing?

I am with DVC Marketing currently. If you love Disney, why not start with the CP? It may even be easier if you do the CP and network a TON and meet people in fields you're interested in. They LOVE LOVE LOVE to meet proactive people who take the time to go out and meet folks, and it's HUGE to be able to get your name out there like that, and SO easy. I've talked to people in quite a few different fields, and they all have positive impressions (gosh, I hope) and my number- who knows what might happen!

 

[AliSW]

Hey I'm hoping for a marketing PI probably. Was your major marketing? and did you have experience with marketing?

 

[WDWisMyLaughingPlace]

I am with DVC Marketing currently. If you love Disney, why not start with the CP? It may even be easier if you do the CP and network a TON and meet people in fields you're interested in. They LOVE LOVE LOVE to meet proactive people who take the time to go out and meet folks, and it's HUGE to be able to get your name out there like that, and SO easy. I've talked to people in quite a few different fields, and they all have positive impressions (gosh, I hope) and my number- who knows what might happen!

Yeah, that was going to be my exact plan! I have several friends who are CP alumns and networking to death was basically their top piece of advice to me.

Originally, I was only going to apply for the CP and wait until the following season to try for a PI, but now that I know it's not impossible to get a PI without the CP, I think I definitely want to apply for both and see what happens because if I don't get a PI, I definitely still want the CP.

I'm applying for the semester after I graduate (I'm graduating from my undergrad in May '13) and I really want to get my career started, so I want to at least get my hat in the ring for a PI as soon as I'm able to.

And just to clarify, if I do the CP and then want to do a PI, I'm still eligible to apply, right? Technically, I would not be a student when applying, but I would be applying while I'm on my CP.

 

[ibaw]

Thank you for the words of encouragement! Whenever I inquire about this, I always seem to find more answers leaning towards the no side, but it is a relief to know that it is possible, as you are living proof of it!
Which 2 PI's did you complete? And what was your seasonal role? Thanks!

I started full time in 2008 as a jungle cruise skipper. I then went seasonal as I went back to college. The next fall (2009) I was a PI for Park Event Operations (their first intern as the event groups consolidated into one global team). After that PI I stayed on as a seasonal convention guide with events. Them in the summer of 2011 I started my PI in finance/accounting. I now work for the Walt Disney Studios in CA within the accounting/finance group.

As others have said, whatever you do be sure to network. It is the number one key to obtaining an internship/job. I have met a substantial number of CPs who want to become PIs. If you are on the CP then take the advantage you have and met with others. Also, when applying for a non-alumni PI (of which there are plenty) it is important to understand that Disney is going to take the best in their respective fields. So the competition is fierce, but not insurmountable.

 

[WDWisMyLaughingPlace]

I started full time in 2008 as a jungle cruise skipper. I then went seasonal as I went back to college. The next fall (2009) I was a PI for Park Event Operations (their first intern as the event groups consolidated into one global team). After that PI I stayed on as a seasonal convention guide with events. Them in the summer of 2011 I started my PI in finance/accounting. I now work for the Walt Disney Studios in CA within the accounting/finance group.

As others have said, whatever you do be sure to network. It is the number one key to obtaining an internship/job. I have met a substantial number of CPs who want to become PIs. If you are on the CP then take the advantage you have and met with others. Also, when applying for a non-alumni PI (of which there are plenty) it is important to understand that Disney is going to take the best in their respective fields. So the competition is fierce, but not insurmountable.

Thanks so much for your advice! I will definitely be keeping all of that in mind as I move through the application and interview process in January.

That's awesome that you've been able to stay with Disney since '08. Someday I would love to have the chance to work for the Studios in Burbank, but I'm going to start in WDW and see where life takes me! Haha.

Park Events is actually one of the departments that I am very interested in and I've been trying to learn more about it. If there's any info that you can provide about the role and the department, I would really appreciate it!

Thanks!

 

[ibaw]

I just sent you a PM about the PEO team

 

[WDWisMyLaughingPlace]

I just sent you a PM about the PEO team

Awesome! Thanks so much. I'm going to check it out right now.

Just another quick general question for you or anyone else who wants to weigh in. The alumni only PIs for Spring '13 just went up and I saw that a lot of them require you to be a Junior or Senior in college when applying. If I was to apply for one while on my CP (which is going to be after I graduate from my undergrad), am I still eligible for a PI?

Thanks!!

 

[aznshents]

Awesome! Thanks so much. I'm going to check it out right now.

Just another quick general question for you or anyone else who wants to weigh in. The alumni only PIs for Spring '13 just went up and I saw that a lot of them require you to be a Junior or Senior in college when applying. If I was to apply for one while on my CP (which is going to be after I graduate from my undergrad), am I still eligible for a PI?

Thanks!!

Sure are! (I am pretty sure) Especially if the Preferred Qualifications field states Disney College Program alumnus. Remember, the fact that you are a Junior or Senior is only under "Minimum Qualifications". There are a ton that I am considering applying for that, I'm no longer a junior or senior, but I'm still eligible!

 

[aznshents]

Hey I'm hoping for a marketing PI probably. Was your major marketing? and did you have experience with marketing?

My major was marketing, but the internship is in Marketing Strategy and most of my experience was in sales- nothing outside of textbook experience was in marketing strategy. In fact, two of the things under 'Relevant Experience' on my resume were very sales-based. Also, one of the other interns in my department (There are 3 total) was a Communications major with an Advertising focus.

 

[WDWisMyLaughingPlace]

Sure are! (I am pretty sure) Especially if the Preferred Qualifications field states Disney College Program alumnus. Remember, the fact that you are a Junior or Senior is only under "Minimum Qualifications". There are a ton that I am considering applying for that, I'm no longer a junior or senior, but I'm still eligible!

Okay good, that's a relief!! I got a little worried when I saw the whole Junior/Senior thing. Thanks for your help! Good luck with the ones you end up applying for!!

 

[wishicouldgomoreofte]

Will applying for 2 PIs and the CP will hurt your chances in any of them? I prefer one PI over the other and would prefer either PI over the CP. If I got invited into any one before hearing back from the others, would I have to refuse the opening to see if I get another? Or would they all make offers at the same time?
I have finished my BA, and will finish my MA in Dec, and am applying for Jan 2013 PIs, but will also still qualify for the CP.