Wait for Disney or look elsewhere?

[flyslyw]

So first off, I graduate from college on May 10 of this year. Currently, I'm "In Progress" for 4 Disney PI for Fall 2014. Whether I get one of those positions or not, I have still decided to make the move to the Orlando area. I've done a lot of research and believe I would like that area plus the job market for my field is much better there than home.

The problem is that I probably won't know if I get the PI or not until April some time, maybe even early May. That's a looong time to wait to hear back when I graduate in May and need to have something lined up job-wise or face the wrath of my parents.

I don't know if I should go ahead and start applying to other career jobs around Orlando now or wait a while longer. If I were lucky enough to get something and THEN got the PI, I would much rather take the PI, that's what I want the most. Do you guys see the problem I'm having? I'm just not sure what to do or when to do it. Working for Disney is my #1 goal and a PI doesn't guarantee anything long-term, I know that, but it's still the best way to get your foot in the door of that company. I'd hate to pass up an opportunity for a PI if I were to get it.

Anyone have any thoughts on this?

 

[HopperFan]

Background: I am a parent (who loves Disney and is there a lot) who's DD has applied to DCP and looking at PI (her preference but start dates are the problem) who also graduates but in July and wants to work for Disney long term. We are going next month to scope out apartments etc to be prepared for whatever course this takes. She is also looking at returning to grad school in Orlando as one plan. Grad school would keep her a "student".

My suggestion: If your dream is the PI program then I would hold out until you know about that. You don't want to look back and have any regrets that of what might have been. Accepting another permanent job down there, then what? You quit? You don't want to burn bridges in your industry just yet. I would come up with Plan A, B, C of what you will do in all scenarios (my DD did). One of those, maybe C, would be you don't get accepted by Disney so then you pursue jobs in your industry in Orlando. Since this might not start until April have part of that plan to get a temporary job if need be, maybe a paid internship at home while you are job searching in Orlando. Show your parents your plans, showing them you are prepared and planning for your future, and ask for their support.

Good Luck!

 

[Musings]

So first off, I graduate from college on May 10 of this year. Currently, I'm "In Progress" for 4 Disney PI for Fall 2014. Whether I get one of those positions or not, I have still decided to make the move to the Orlando area. I've done a lot of research and believe I would like that area plus the job market for my field is much better there than home.

The problem is that I probably won't know if I get the PI or not until April some time, maybe even early May. That's a looong time to wait to hear back when I graduate in May and need to have something lined up job-wise or face the wrath of my parents.

I don't know if I should go ahead and start applying to other career jobs around Orlando now or wait a while longer. If I were lucky enough to get something and THEN got the PI, I would much rather take the PI, that's what I want the most. Do you guys see the problem I'm having? I'm just not sure what to do or when to do it. Working for Disney is my #1 goal and a PI doesn't guarantee anything long-term, I know that, but it's still the best way to get your foot in the door of that company. I'd hate to pass up an opportunity for a PI if I were to get it.

Anyone have any thoughts on this?

You should never put all your eggs in one basket. You should still be proactively looking. This is job hunting advice in general.

 

[cindy17]

You should never put all your eggs in one basket. You should still be proactively looking. This is job hunting advice in general.

I agree! My son is following this advice -- he is in progress also for 2 PIs, but while it has been his dream since he was a young boy, he is also realistic. PIs are VERY competitive. He is also graduating in May, and if he is offered a good job in his major, outside of Disney, I would be thrilled for him. If the PI comes through, all the better. Then the Pros and Cons will be weighed. We come from the school of "we'll cross that bridge when we come to it".

 

[Musings]

I agree! My son is following this advice -- he is in progress also for 2 PIs, but while it has been his dream since he was a young boy, he is also realistic. PIs are VERY competitive. He is also graduating in May, and if he is offered a good job in his major, outside of Disney, I would be thrilled for him. If the PI comes through, all the better. Then the Pros and Cons will be weighed. We come from the school of "we'll cross that bridge when we come to it".

Good luck to your son, I have also applied to a few PIs but I am also applying for positions everywhere. If I happen to get another offer somewhere else, I will accept there. The chips will fall where they may but life is competitive.

Everything I have ever read about job searching and I have followed (even though when I got back from my CP, it took only one application and one interview to land a job that is not life in general).

 

[dsanner106]

I agree with not putting your eggs in one basket, As you are also waiting on Disney as your first choice, I would do lots of research on potential employers and start putting apps out late march, early april. That way your Disney response should be in line with timeframes for responses on other applications. That way you can make an apples to apples comparison if you do happen to get Disney plus other offers.

 

[wiigirl]

You should never put all your eggs in one basket. You should still be proactively looking. This is job hunting advice in general.

 

[flyslyw]

Thanks for the input everyone!