What do you think it takes to become an Imagineer?

[dbanzai]

What do you think Disney looks for when hiring Imagineers? Is it just about having a creative mind and thinking out of the box, or do you think having a degree in engineering? I ask because a) it is something I think about applying for one day and b) I look at the history of people like Walt and Marty Sklar and see people who came from communications backgrounds.

 

[milestogo]

Many of the imagineers come from the CAL Arts program.

 

[cwoob]

i've often asked myself that same question.

I hope this link will be helpful to you

http://imagineering.themedattractions.com/node/2
Someday...

 

[dbanzai]

Cool site, thanks!

The link to the official site on Imagineering isn't working from there though.

I went to school for a/v and that is my field, and I'm out weekly with Habitat for Humanity. I wonder if that counts for carpentry. I've decided since I'll be in LA for the Jimmy Carter build next month that I'll have to spend some time at DL... I might try and get over there for Halloween night.

 

[minniebeth]

Cool thread....seriously, when people ask my DS12 what he wants to be, he does tell them he wants to be a Disney Imagineer. Unless you are a Disney fan, a lot of people don't know what that is, and someone actually told him he needs to do more in life than just ride Disney rides! We've always wondered how to seriously help persue this for him...he is very creative/mechanically inclined, so why not take it seriously? Thanks for the info.!

 

[jemilah]

I wondered this also , as a mom as a DL loving son who watches every show that interviews imagineers , that it could be a future career goal.

 

[shkeogh]

Imagination

 

[scanmom]

great minds think alike! That is the exact thought I had when I read the title of the post!!!!!

 

[MagicalMomAZ]

I have no idea but I so badly wanted to change my major when I was in college bc I wanted to be involved animation - to be an imagineer would have surpassed ANY dream...but then I got pregnant...married...pregnant...you get the drift. The dreams have changed but that would be one awesome career! If it works out...keep us updated!

 

[biolabetty]

I have a few friends who are imagineers. One has his degree in engineering, and another has a degree in many different things, and has taught wood shop at schools. From my discussions with them, imagineering isn't the most stable job in the world right now. They always have a resume handy in case they are laid off (again). One has been laid off multiple times by Disney, but always rehired. Disney has been downsizing for a while and outsourcing a lot of their work, which doesn't thrill the imagineers I know. They are hoping that with all of the work DCA is going to have, there will be some work for a while.

 

[Judy from Boise]

anyone wanting to get into themepark business would do well to explore Cal Arts.
I always say i am a well rounded person because i seriously dated a Cal Arts, and a Cal Tech graduate!