Professional Internship w/out CP

[Beauty908]

Hey there,
After a lot of thought, I am strongly considering applying for a Disney Professional Internship. I have not done the college program. I would prefer an internship based on education and conservation, but not opposed to animal care. I will graduate Fall 2012 with a B.S. in Biology and a teaching certificate. I feel like if Disney is a part of my future, then it needs to be soon! So I have a few questions:

1) How much will no CP experience count against me?
2) How competitive are the internships?
3) What are some major qualities Disney is looking for to accept me?
4) Any tips on preparing between now and then?
5) If you are/have completed an internship (not CP), please share your experience and tips (including housing, working, etc.)


THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!!

 

[ktrex]

As far as the animal ones, probably not. I'm a zoology major and I'm applying for stuff in the same vein right now. I don't think any of the AP (animal programs) internships require a CP. Some require a previous PI, though.

Most of the internships are education (at least in that there's guest interaction, which would at least be answering guest questions. The Conservation Education roles are obviously, very specifically education themed.

As for competetiveness? I'm not sure. They're definitely up there, but I don't know what chances or odds are or anything.

 

[Beauty908]

Thanks! Since I'll be applying after I graduate, can I still do a PI? I read somewhere that I must still be enrolled in school. Right now, to interrupt my program isn't an option, but I really want Disney too.

 

[Woodskeeper]

I think the animal ones work a bit differently, but for other PIs and MIs you must either be enrolled in college when you apply, or be completing a CP. For example, I'm graduating in April. I applied for a bunch of PIs, but I also applied for CP as a backup. If I get the CP and not the PIs then I can complete my CP and apply for the PIs for next Spring.

If I don't get either the CP or the PIs then I can't apply for the PI for next Spring because I won't be in college or doing a program.

 

[slp1650]

You must be a recent graduate... I've applied for the Fall internships and I'll be graduating in June. I think you can do the program up to a year after graduating. The rules about graduating and doing the program are on the information page.

 

[Beauty908]

You must be a recent graduate... I've applied for the Fall internships and I'll be graduating in June. I think you can do the program up to a year after graduating. The rules about graduating and doing the program are on the information page.

Thanks, I'll graduate in Dec. 2012 and want the internship for Spring of 2013.

 

[slp1650]

You should be fine then... especially since you'll still be in school when you submit the applications.