The Professional Internship Questions Thread

[lamagique]

If anyone else is like me, they are wondering about the mysterious Professional Internship Program. There is so much information on the Internet about the College Program, but it's much more difficult to find information about PIs.

There's a lot of info on the DisBoards about it, but those posts get buried fast. I thought that a thread similar to the College Program Questions Thread would be a good idea--a way for us to keep all of the information together so that people can use it as a one-stop resource in the future.

So, with that said, let the questions begin!

MY QUESTION: When applying online for multiple internships, is there only one cover letter/one resume that applies to all the roles you are applying for, or is there a separate cover letter/separate resume for each role that you apply for?

Thanks so much!

 

[Flower4Pwr]

If anyone else is like me, they are wondering about the mysterious Professional Internship Program. There is so much information on the Internet about the College Program, but it's much more difficult to find information about PIs.

There's a lot of info on the DisBoards about it, but those posts get buried fast. I thought that a thread similar to the College Program Questions Thread would be a good idea--a way for us to keep all of the information together so that people can use it as a one-stop resource in the future.

So, with that said, let the questions begin!

MY QUESTION: When applying online for multiple internships, is there only one cover letter/one resume that applies to all the roles you are applying for, or is there a separate cover letter/separate resume for each role that you apply for?

Thanks so much!

You should treat these internships as if you are applying for a job with the company and not just a CP. Each department does it's own hiring, and so your cover letter should fit each department. This is just my suggestion of course! The way I look at it if I was applying for 2 positions with the Government, yeah it's the same organization but it's a different division, a different position and each position has different qualifications I need to emphasize!
I haven't applied yet, though so I don't even know if we can submit different cover letters!

 

[lamagique]

**I am trying to compile the information that I have found on the boards in this post. This is what I have so far.**

General PI Information

The official website, located at http://www.disneyinterns.com, has lots of useful information and should be the first stop for anyone considering a Professional Internship.

One exceptionally useful link is the one for the FAQ’s: http://disney.go.com/disneycareers/internships/faq.html


***Professional Internship Information from Past DisBoards Threads & other resources***

Concerning PI Compensation
The pay is typically higher for a PI—ranging from $8-$18/hr. The benefits are the same as those for the College Program, as SoonerKate mentions in this thread:“park entry, food and merchandise discounts, entrance to cast events, and access to the EAP.”

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=17814801
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=19606590

Concerning the Interview Process
It depends on what role you are applying for, but it might consist of a series of interviews, one interview, a group interview, etc. The first interview tends to be, for most people, a screening interview. Most interviews are over the phone, although some do take place in person.

As for what sorts of questions they ask, according to rustyflwr3 on this thread: “Its hard to say what types of specific questions they ask, as it is completely different per interview and position. Mine had to do with skills, classes, and experiences that related to the position.” Woody’s Girl elaborates on this point in the same thread, saying: “Interview Specifics -- Like Rusty said, it's hard to give you advice as all of the internships have different areas of speciality. However, I can tell you that I had some questions that weren't job specific. They asked me why I want to work at Disney, give an example of a time when I had to handle multiple tasks, my most memorable or most proud moment...that kind of stuff.” More information about the interview process can be found on the aforementioned thread and the ones below:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1368306
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=18072018
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=11971185&postcount=6
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=17350207


Concerning PI Housing
Professional Interns can live in the housing that Disney provides or they can find a place on their own. Disney PI housing is at Northbridge Apartments, which are about 30 minutes away from the Parks and Resorts. Rent is about $129/week. Quite like the college program, the apartments are furnished and have internet access and twin beds. Some rooms are singles, some rooms are doubles. The housing is limited and works on a lottery system.

--> More information about Northbridge:
Official Northbridge Apartments Website
Northbridge on Apartment Ratings.com


http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=17774156
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=19606590

Concerning PI Transportation
Unlike the college program, PIs are required to have their own mode of transportation.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=12561683

Management Internships vs. Other PIs
Management Professional Interns cannot live in Northbridge/Housing provided by Disney. It is also said that Management PIs get paid more than other PIs (about $600/week is what is reported). For more information about the differences between Management PIs and the other PIs, go to the following thread: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1697656

Concerning the Portfolio
Some PIs require a portfolio be submitted along with a resume. For tips/information about this, see the following thread: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1322484

Disneyland Professional Internships
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1411629

The Difference Between the CP and PIs
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=12473768
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1404427

From Professional Internship to Full-Time Status
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=18092115

 

[Flower4Pwr]

This is soooo helpful! Thank you for putting it together!

 

[lamagique]

Cover Letters and Resumes

• According to questions@disneyinterns.com, "You can address [cover letters] to Hiring Leaders or Internships Coordinator."
  
• If you would like to include an address, here is the address for WDW Professional Internships:
  
  Walt Disney Casting/Employment Office
  Attention: Disney Professional Internships
  P.O. Box 10,000
  Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
  
  
• You are allowed to upload/tailor your cover letter and resume to each role that you are applying for on the http://www.disneycareers.com site.

 

[jbellgator]

Thanks for all of the great information, Llama Geek! lol talk to ya later.

 

[ryantab02]

I just applied for the Summer 2008 PI! I'm so nervous. I wish I knew already!

 

[Mrs.CptnJackSparrow]

I had my screening interview last night and she said the pay rate for a PI is $7-13 an hour and management is salaried at about $600 and up a week.


Great Job with the collage of information! It is obvious you spent a lot of time putting it all together.

If anyone wants an idea of what questions they asked me on the screening interview I am more than happy to share.

 

[ryantab02]

I was curious...I'm hearing about interviews for the Fall internships but I haven't heard about any for the summer. Am I missing something?

 

[tinyt396]

I have seen a few of the PI's are for the summer only. When you click on an internship it tells you how long it goes till. A friend of mine was looking at a lot of the entertainment internships and they are just for the summer. Plus you find out in April so there is less of a wait. I hope that helped!

 

[ryantab02]

Oh, ok. I think I'm thinking the wrong thing. The PI I applied for says June 2008 - January 2009. I believe the deadline for applications is March 7th or something like that.

Oh, well...the waiting begins...

Thanks for the help!

 

[DisneyWorld24]

I am in the process of applying for several management PI's and i was wondering if i should send in a portfolio reflecting my projects. Also, i was wondering what kind of questions they ask during the screening process. Thank you for your time.

 

[madcrazy235]

hey, i know this is the college area but im a high school junior. i get good grades and are in several AP classes and such. and i was curious if you guys could tell me a little about the PI. My dream job has always been to become a Disney Imagineer. And i am seriously considering it as my college major.

If you could just answer the following, i would really appreciate it.

What is you college major and what internship you applied to?
and as far as resumes are concerned; the projects that you have done, did they occur while you were in college?

once again thank you if you could answer this!! and im sorry if any of these questions sound stupid lol im new to this.

 

[Flower4Pwr]

I am in the process of applying for several management PI's and i was wondering if i should send in a portfolio reflecting my projects. Also, i was wondering what kind of questions they ask during the screening process. Thank you for your time.

Other than your resume and cover letter, if they would like more information from you they will request it. The first interview is very general. Things like proudest accomplishment and why you want to work for the company. Good Luck!

 

[CelebrationNM]

What is you college major and what internship you applied to?
and as far as resumes are concerned; the projects that you have done, did they occur while you were in college?

Once you're in college you'll have an opportunity to participate in this program, which is directly related to Imagineering: http://disney.go.com/disneycareers/internships/walt_disney_imagineering.html

If you click through those pages you'll start to see what kind of coursework they're looking for.
Good luck!
Nick

 

[Berlioz70]

What is you college major and what internship you applied to?
and as far as resumes are concerned; the projects that you have done, did they occur while you were in college?

There are a couple of different types of Imagineers - most probably have some type of engineering degree. The other kind are the designers - they would work on the initial art design and look of the attractions.

I know of a guy, (a friend of a friend situation) who majored in engineering and got his start with the company as a College Program student. He then worked his way over to an Imagineer PI and actually worked on the two Finding Nemo rides at Disneyland and WDW. He now works there full-time.

Generally speaking - Engineering programs are strongest at state universities - especially at institutions that are considered land grant. You can tell if an institution is a land grant by checking out their history, probably on their website. Most land grants will be about 150 years old right now.

I currently attend Iowa State University - which is a HUGE engineering university. We have one (OF ONLY 3) 6D labs in the WORLD. NASA and John Deere both come to campus to use our facilities because they are so advance. You'll want to find a good hands on school like that!

 

[madcrazy235]

wow. thanks for the information guys!!

 

[lauraebeth]

okay, so question. . .

anyone ever done the youth education program facilitator internship. i think that's the correct "title"

any details on it, pay, hours, a personal description of the job. . .e-mail me if ya need to

 

[Paleogirl2003]

If anyone has any questions about the PI at DAK (Disney's Animal Kingdom) for Animal Programs Information Management (AKA Bioinformatics or Technology Intern).

FYI: Imagineering usually pays more; Animal Programs PIs are the only ones that offer relocation assistance (a few hundred dollars depending on where you are coming from); also, I believe it may be only the Animal Programs ones and a select other few where you do not have to be a CP graduate before becoming a PI.

Also, I lived in Northbridge housing, so I am open to questions about that as well.

If you have any other questions, do not hesitate to ask: Paleogirl03@msn.com. I did the above mentioned PI from June 2007 to January 2008.

 

[DisneyWorld24]

I have my interview on Saturday and i was just wondering what kind of questions do they ask. Thank you for your time.