To CP or not?

[symphie]

I've been lurking on these boards for about 2 years, back when I first thought I was going to do the CP. I'm now a junior in college, about to start nursing school and set to graduate in August 2012.
My school schedule never allowed for me to take a semester off, so I'm considering starting to plan to do the CP the semester after I graduate. I already know the experience is unbelievable (I researched it extensively and my bf did the program Spring 2010). My question is more for people who did the program after they graduated. Was it harder to find a job after the program than if you had started your career search right after graduation? Did employers look down on you for taking "a semester off" so to speak? Especially since I'm going into nursing, I'm afraid it will be harder to find a job after the CP if I take a semester off doing something that has nothing to do with my chosen profession.
Any insight would be appreciated. It seems far off right now, but I like to have my plan. And things to look forward to. Like possibly spending a semester with Mickey.

 

[SmellsLikeJapan]

Well, I can't answer all the questions, but I'll do my best I did the program after my first semester of college, I say it would be easier to do it after you graduate than during school. When I get back, I started working at Publix, a local grocery store chain where I live, they were very excited that I worked at Disney part time and didn't really care that I took a semester off. They were more happy that I had guest/customer service in a largely known company.

 

[smileitslisa]

I was actually wondering this too. I'm going to be applying for the CP for Fall 2011, the semester after I graduate. I plan on going to grad school after taking a semester off (or more if I like it/go for a PI) for the CP and becoming a teacher. Will it look bad to schools or employers that I took time off to work in Disney at a minimum wage job?

 

[symphie]

SmellsLikeJapan- Yeah, it seems like it would be something that would make getting another part-time job easier, with the customer service experience and such. I'm just worried about whether employers would look down on me for not pursuing a full-time job after graduation and just "taking time off" to work for Disney.

smileitsalisa- That's a good point, too. I've thought about going to grad school (although for nursing you have to work for 2 years before that anyway) and I've never really considered whether they would look down on taking time off. But I'm really curious whether anyone's had trouble finding a job in their chosen profession if they did the CP right after graduation.

 

[symphie]

Just bumping this in case anybody has any experience with it...?

 

[carly3592]

I don't think they would really think of it as "taking time off" if you're spending your time working for one of the most well-known companies in the world.

I really want to do the CP too, but I'm not sure when. I'm currently a first semester freshman.

 

[PrincessBetsy]

I am also a Junior and I am considering the same thing. I know I am going to do the CP, I just don't know when. I think I have narrowed it down to the semester before I graduate or the semester after I graduate. If I take some extra classes for the next three semesters, I think I will have finished most (if not all) of my core classes and electives, so I could still potentially graduate on time.

Since the Disney College Program is considered an intership, I don't think an employer would think of it as taking a semester off. I see it as a time to gain "real-world" experience, which looks really good on a resume.

I think this is a great opportunity, especially since you can only do it while in college. In a few years from now you don't want to look back and wish you had done the Disney College Program. If you can take the time off you should go for it!

 

[symphie]

Thanks for the input. I think I'm just worried that it would be considered "taking time off" because the College Program has nothing to do with my chosen profession (nursing) so it may not even be applicable to my resumes after graduation.

 

[Itinkso]

My daughter graduated a year early from college in June and two days later flew off to Orlando to live her dream as a CP in Entertainment. She has gained a wealth of real world experience as well as attaining her goal of performing with Disney. Whatever she decides to pursue after her CP, this experience will proudly be added to her resumes. I have worked in education for over 30 years and there are a number of "new" teachers whose first professions were in retail, offices and just about anything imaginable. All experiences are valuable and you need to think about how you will feel in a few years if you don't apply to the CP; will you have regrets? If you know the answer will be "yes," go for it and apply for the CP and don't look back. Nursing positions will always be there!

 

[mdoll4]

I'm having a similar dilemma, only I'm going into business, so it would be somewhat applicable on the job front. I'm graduating next semester, and I want to do the CP, which would have to be next Fall. But I want to do an internship in the summer with my boyfriend's mom's company (paying $20 an hour!!), and I'm wondering if I should do another internship on top of that that might be less relevant, and just because I want to get into the real world ASAP! But then again, the more on my resume, the easier to get a job. In theory. I just don't know if I'll want to still be in the college program and taking classes that long after I've graduated!

I'm so confused. I know it's something I want to do, and I know it would look good on a resume (especially if I was applying to work at Disney... ),but I don't know if it would be necessary as much as fun, and I don't want to feel like I'm wasting time.

Help!

 

[Itinkso]

I'm having a similar dilemma, only I'm going into business, so it would be somewhat applicable on the job front. I'm graduating next semester, and I want to do the CP, which would have to be next Fall. But I want to do an internship in the summer with my boyfriend's mom's company (paying $20 an hour!!), and I'm wondering if I should do another internship on top of that that might be less relevant, and just because I want to get into the real world ASAP! But then again, the more on my resume, the easier to get a job. In theory. I just don't know if I'll want to still be in the college program and taking classes that long after I've graduated!

Help!

You do not have to enroll in courses while doing the CP. DD enrolled because HR is an interest of hers. Many CPers work and enjoy their internships without taking classes.

 

[druttaro]

Looking back on life, you only regret the things you didn't do, not the ones you did. Life is short, if this is something you really want to do go for it! Don't let doubts and what if's win. At 36 and a bio major Disney called and I answered.

 

[polymerpig]

However, if you do decide to take classes, a Ducktorate degree is not a bad thing to have on your resume. Seriously - you'd be surprised how many people list it on their resume. Other companies know what it means to have been through some Disney training.

 

[glendalais]

Since the Disney College Program is considered an intership, I don't think an employer would think of it as taking a semester off. I see it as a time to gain "real-world" experience, which looks really good on a resume.

Not necessarily. Most employers will generally accept Disney College Program experiences as an internship, However, there are a few, particulalry in Southern California and Central Florida who don't consider Disney Internships and Programs experiences any differently from general employment with Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Inc. in an Hourly Guest Service role. I know of a few former CPs who've stayed here in Orlando (not necessarily with Disney) and have encountered issues when they presented their CPs as an internship on applications/resumes and at interviews.

The same goes for many Disney business units outside of the Parks and Resorts division. If applying for positions with TWDC Corporate, Walt Disney Studios, Walt Disney Animation Studios, ABC, Pixar and the like, the CP in and of itself is generally considered on par with working at one's local Disney Store, or even working for DLR/WDW as a FT/CR Cast Member (interesting to know, saves on some paperwork, might give you an internal contact or two, but not really affecting the final decision in any significant way).

But, as said earlier, it depends on how you feel about it. If you really want to do it, resumes, effects on future job opportunities and whatnot can always be worked out later.

 

[mdoll4]

You do not have to enroll in courses while doing the CP. DD enrolled because HR is an interest of hers. Many CPers work and enjoy their internships without taking classes.

Well, the thing is, if I did the program, I'd want to take advantage of the potential networking available from meeting the teachers and guests to the classes. I'm not sure that *just* working would make the CP worthwhile to me. Otherwise, what makes it a special program versus just working at a theme park (albeit one that I love)?

Or is there a part of the college program aside from classes and working that I'm missing?

 

[Itinkso]

Well, the thing is, if I did the program, I'd want to take advantage of the potential networking available from meeting the teachers and guests to the classes. I'm not sure that *just* working would make the CP worthwhile to me. Otherwise, what makes it a special program versus just working at a theme park (albeit one that I love)?

Or is there a part of the college program aside from classes and working that I'm missing?

For DD, the college program may lead to a Professional Internship. Because she is a college grad, her only opportunity for a PI is now. Her other option is to extend her CP. Another event was when the HR instructor point-blank asked her "what are you going to do with your life?" Meaning the instructor, who had been in corporate business other than Disney, felt there were better things for my daughter to pursue and they discussed a variety of career options and interests. Sometimes to receive encouragement and insight from others can steer someone onto a new and exciting career path.

DD has enjoyed the Cast only opportunities. Cast had a preview night for the Boo to You parade - DD was performing in it. Cast also had the opportunity to enjoy the Food and Wine festival. So, other than classes and working, the perks of being a CM offer a lot of additional fun.

And lastly, the only thing aside from classes, working and the above perks, is that Disney benefits from employing a very large number of college students versus full-time union employees.

 

[BadDad]

My S20 was pick for SA 2011 in QSFB. He wanted attractions but checked it off.
When talking it over,
If he didn't like it, he would regret for a semester,
if he didn't do it, he would regret for the rest of his life.