Professional Internship Questions

[M.I.C.]

I searched and didn't see an official thread for this like with the CP.

I'm going into my Junior year as a marketing major, I've been looking into the Professional Internship program a bit lately, I was thinking about the CP but I'd rather do this as I'm hoping for a career in my field with them as an end result possibly. My questions are, does this happen often as a result of the Internship program? I'm also a Journalism minor so I wouldn't mind doing something involving that but I can't see to find anything related on their site.

Also, the site is pretty vague... is it paid or unpaid? And how do you apply, do you just have to search on the site and apply for specific positions? Seems pretty limited as to how many positons are available to I'm assuming it's pretty hard to get hired.

 

[aznshents]

Hi!

Hiring depends on the needs of the location. The bad news is, there might not be any openings for when you finish the PI (and you are required to stay on for the entire term as a PI). The good news is, Disney is a HUGE HUGE HUGE company. There are many chances that you will be able to find something somewhere that you'll enjoy doing, whether corporate or hourly, after your PI is over, which is what I plan on doing.

It is a paid internship, it is paid hourly.

When PIs are released (and DIS folks do pretty well at updating their peers) people will be applying all at once. I can't remember exactly when they are during the year but I know I applied for mine at the turn of January when they first came out, and accepted it in April. They are limited right now because none of the PIs are shown on the website. Only when they open up will you see a lot results.

Hope I helped!

 

[M.I.C.]

Hi!

Hiring depends on the needs of the location. The bad news is, there might not be any openings for when you finish the PI (and you are required to stay on for the entire term as a PI). The good news is, Disney is a HUGE HUGE HUGE company. There are many chances that you will be able to find something somewhere that you'll enjoy doing, whether corporate or hourly, after your PI is over, which is what I plan on doing.

It is a paid internship, it is paid hourly.

When PIs are released (and DIS folks do pretty well at updating their peers) people will be applying all at once. I can't remember exactly when they are during the year but I know I applied for mine at the turn of January when they first came out, and accepted it in April. They are limited right now because none of the PIs are shown on the website. Only when they open up will you see a lot results.

Hope I helped!

That helps a lot, thanks. So they post them in January?

 

[aznshents]

I think so. That's when I applied for mine, as soon as it came out. Same with the CP.

 

[bopnopper9]

You can apply for the PI without having done a CP. However, the CP would give you a really good boost into getting a PI. Aznshents is right, every job is different and some are easier to stay on than others.

All Disney Internships are paid, and they even have housing for you if you want. I would Highly recommend the PI with a capital H! Search the site and apply for as many PIs as you want, but try to keep a focus. It doesn't look good for people who are just so desperate they'll apply for just about anything (however I'm not gonna lie... I've seen people who did just that get accepted into the PI).

Good luck!

 

[AliSW]

So I'm not sure of what I'm going to do yet, but I want to do the college program again next fall. hopefully right after I graduate. then after that is over I wanted to do a PI. so if I asked to extend the CP and applied for PIs would that be ok? since I don't know if I'd get it and you apply in January when the CP would end...
also I was wondering if they are specific about your major for the PIs? or if it says a business major for one, would it be ok if I had marketing? since that's basically business? or would having a general business major give me more luck? I'm not sure if I'm going to change my major or not.
and is it really hard to get a PI? When I was on my last CP I was told I should apply for a PI because I'd get it, but I'm worried my resume isn't good enough. My grades aren't that good and I don't have much experience.

 

[aznshents]

The major is recommended, really. I am on a marketing PI right now and one of my fellow interns is a Communications major with an Advertising focus.

The interview is really what counts, because once your resume gets past the initial screening process they are looking for people to make a really good impression and a really good fit for the team. They want to know that you're the best capable of learning what they have to teach.

And yes, it's definitely possible to do the CP then the PI back to back. You are allowed two terms back to back whether they are CP or PI, but only two, so you can only do programs for a total of 1 year. Then it's up to you to find a more permanent situation, and if you are really focused and do try your best, chances are you will definitely stay.

 

[AliSW]

Ok! That's so great to know, thanks

 

[M.I.C.]

so would you recommend doing the CP within the next 2 years before i graduate and try to do the PI? i'd rather not do the CP because i have a really good job right now and i wouldn't be able to do it if i did the CP

 

[aznshents]

Always keep your future in mind. If your job is nice and you don't want to do the CP, by all means stick to your job. But MOST of the people I have met here on the PI did the CP, it is rare to see a PI who didn't do a CP. The CP will allow you to make connections, learn what it's like to work for Disney, and know the legendary standards of Guest service that they expect for all their Cast Members. If you want to end up eventually working for Disney, the CP is a good way to go.

 

[Anneshirley]

You can apply for the PI without having done a CP. However, the CP would give you a really good boost into getting a PI.