By Alessandra Perez
Many University students are required to have an internship. They plan spending their summers between semesters working at home or New York City in an office, hoping to seal a deal for after graduation.The Disney College Program, at Walt Disney World in Florida, provides students with an extraordinary opportunity to intern in various fields, getting first hand experience under the protection of Disney World employees.The Disney College Program, or CP, is open to students of all majors and backgrounds with a GPA above 2.0. Students must attend an information session at a nearby school or watch the video online. After the mandatory information session, students must complete the application and sign in for an interview with a Disney College Recruiter.”The interview was basically harmless. They just got to know what type of a person I was and if I’d be good dealing with people,” said Rachel Restaino, a senior drama major. “Two weeks later they send you a letter either accepting or rejecting you, and then you have to go online and pick which dates you want to go and leave.”The Disney College Program provides many Disney Roles applicable to all kinds of majors and interests. Character performance, costuming, culinary assistance, custodial activities, transportation providers, vacation planners and being a lifeguard are only some of the many jobs available at the program.”The Disney College Program is a good program,” said Joe Guastalli, a graduate assistant for New College. “Going down there and working for the Disney Corporation is a good opportunity. However, I make sure students know that they might be working in anything from character performance to selling food.”The Disney College Program gives students privileges such as free theme park admissions and discounts that cover resorts, merchandise and more for family and guests. In addition, students live at a Disney World complex, in which they pay minimal rent, with other interns from around the world while enjoying Florida’s weather and amenities.Interns usually get paid $6.40 per hour, plus one and a half time after 40 hours a week.”I learned a lot, I picked up great public speaking skills. There were times when it was only me talking in front of 400 or more people,” John Lomaga, a TV business major, stated. “Plus you learn problem solving skills since you are on the frontlines of dealing with guests and their issues, and Disney puts a good amount of power in our hands to correct issues without involving management.”According to the Career Center and New College, the University enforces students to secure credit from the internship with their department before applying to the program. CP offers classes such as hospitality management courses, organizational leadership, personal marketing and its specialized Practicum course to develop the seven key competencies Disney considers a leader must have. However, the University usually doesn’t accept credit from the classes, but only the 3 internship credits, since Walt Disney World is not considered a certified educational organization.Disney also offers advanced internships for CP alumni. As Guastalli from New College indicated, the Disney Program is an excellent internship set to be a step to greater things. Proof of this is alumnus Christian Gourdin, a management major graduated in May 2006.Gourdin was recently featured on the Professional Intern Spotlight, part of a monthly e-mail sent to all CP alumni. He attended the program while a student at the University and believes that any job you hope for, Disney has a place for you.”I learned a lot from my program, I came back to Hofstra more focused on school with a goal of returning to take a full-time job at Disney,” said Gourdin. “I’m really glad I did the program, it’s been the best experience of my life. I now work at the Magic Kingdom in the Special Events Department.”According to the brochures and webpage, the internship provides students with the ability to network with Disney Corporation specialists while being part of a fun environment.”It’s all about networking. You have to go out and seek out contacts. Disney offers many opportunities for this,” indicated Gourdin. “I had so much fun living on my own in the apartments in Central Florida where the weather is always nice. Not to mention I could see fireworks every night of the week if I desired. It was great.”Opportunites await you at the magical Walt Disney World. For more information, go to the Career Center or www.wdwcollegeprogram.com.

Disney interns enjoy the perks of their summer jobs.