Questions about Professional Internships

[jesusluvsu2005]

My husband is back in school (he's an older student deciding on a career change) and is studying Computer Science. How exactly do the internships work? They are paid right? We have a three kids as well. So not sure if it would even be a good idea for us, moving expenses and such. But very curious about the program. Thanks!
Amanda

 

[Wishes Count]

Professional Internships are typically 6 months in length either from Jan-June or June to Jan. Internships for the following season are either posted in Late Jan or Late Aug.

There are other start and end dates it just depends on the department. You can visit disneyinterns.com to view/search postings (although right now there probably won't be many until Aug) It is not only in the parks but also corporate, ABC, ESPN and many other divisions that Disney owns. Not only in FL but CA, NY, WA, CT and many other places.

They are paid, but offer no benefits. Interns in the Parks and Resorts segment are eligible for company housing which is furnished but he would live with another intern in one room. (I do not know about other locations) There is also the option to rent offsite which is usually cheaper but not a good option if he only is planning on staying the 6 months. Also there is no guarantee of a permanent position so you may not want to uproot your family and just let him go for the 6 months and see if he can get a full time position and then move your family there.

I should mention that applying is an EXTREMELY long and drawn out process. Once you apply you maybe eliminated by the computer scanning your resume for key words. If you get past that you may be contacted for an interview, and then you wait. I interviewed on Feb 8th and got an offer April 15th.

 

[surferdude]

My husband is back in school (he's an older student deciding on a career change) and is studying Computer Science. How exactly do the internships work? They are paid right? We have a three kids as well. So not sure if it would even be a good idea for us, moving expenses and such. But very curious about the program. Thanks!
Amanda

They are paid! Although I have no idea how well. Also they usually require you to supply your own housing and transportation and last 6 months. They seem to be a great way to get experience and hopefully a foot in the door, but there are no garentees of any job no matter how good you are. That being said, I would put alot of thought into whether or not you would even want to do the PIs. Unless you already live in the location or close enough to drive (or willing to be apart for that long), it honestly might not be possible to move kids and leave your job just to do an internship.

Thats all I have as far as how they work... but best of luck to the both of you!

 

[Cais]

They are paid! Although I have no idea how well. Also they usually require you to supply your own housing and transportation and last 6 months. They seem to be a great way to get experience and hopefully a foot in the door, but there are no garentees of any job no matter how good you are. That being said, I would put alot of thought into whether or not you would even want to do the PIs. Unless you already live in the location or close enough to drive (or willing to be apart for that long), it honestly might not be possible to move kids and leave your job just to do an internship.

Thats all I have as far as how they work... but best of luck to the both of you!

There is a huge variation in pay for professional interns. I made about a dollar more an hour than I did on the college program, still under ten dollars an hour.

 

[eadavis]

If he can get a PI in his field, he is looking at a pay range of roughly $650-$700 a week. Tech and corporate focused PI's have a significantly higher pay rate.

 

[jesusluvsu2005]

Thanks for the info! Do people usually apply while still in school or after they graduate? He's only going to school right now, not working so he wouldn't be leaving a job for it. It still would be costly to move. So it's something we're just going to have to think more about. I really appreciate all of the info! Thanks!

 

[eadavis]

Thanks for the info! Do people usually apply while still in school or after they graduate? He's only going to school right now, not working so he wouldn't be leaving a job for it. It still would be costly to move. So it's something we're just going to have to think more about. I really appreciate all of the info! Thanks!

At the time of the interview, he has to still be enrolled in school. Internships usually start in one of three months: May, August, or December, geared to take place during a semester and a summer.

 

[Cais]

At the time of the interview, he has to still be enrolled in school. Internships usually start in one of three months: May, August, or December, geared to take place during a semester and a summer.

Erm professional internships generally start in June or January. There are some summer ones that start in may but you're looking at less than 10%.