Spring 2013 Professional Internships

[Lady V]

Originally Posted by DisneyGirlie

The reason I'm upset about not hearing back to schedule my 3rd interview is because of timing. I'm opting to have my 3rd interview in person, which is a big deal. I'll have to miss some classes undoubtedly and get off work. The thing is, I currently work in a Halloween store and basically it is about to hit insane season for us this weekend. So, basically, I can't go down to have a 3rd round interview until at least Nov. 1st. Hope they can deal.

I'm sorry-I agree that would be frustrating. I know when they had called about my second interview they only gave me three days from which to choose. I got the impression the third one will be the same. If they call and you can't come in the time frame maybe just do it on the phone? I'm sure they like you. Plus, they can talk to your former leaders, etc...
Does anyone know how long after the third interview you find out anything?

[sonshineandsmiles]

All of you are great for sharing and it makes the waiting easier! No dashboard changes either for Alumni or PIs . . . told you would hear by early "DECEMBER" which sounds like lots of interviews may take place in November. They must have thousands of applicants.

Now, does being a PI ever result in permanent employment? With an eye on long-term goal of permanent full-time employment, is Seasonal or PI more likely to help?

And if one wants to live off-site but near Disney World, any suggestions for safe area apartments? Heard there were apts behind MK area.

Hope every single one of you get your #1 Choice!

[DisneyGirlie]

Originally Posted by sonshineandsmiles

All of you are great for sharing and it makes the waiting easier! No dashboard changes either for Alumni or PIs . . . told you would hear by early "DECEMBER" which sounds like lots of interviews may take place in November. They must have thousands of applicants.

Now, does being a PI ever result in permanent employment? With an eye on long-term goal of permanent full-time employment, is Seasonal or PI more likely to help?

And if one wants to live off-site but near Disney World, any suggestions for safe area apartments? Heard there were apts behind MK area.

Hope every single one of you get your #1 Choice!

I've heard from multiple people that PIs are the ULTIMATE foot in the door with the company. I have a goal of working for Disney for the rest of my life, so that's why getting a PI is so important to me. I have a friend who did a management PI and was extended and then after got offered full time management status. I think it's almost like if you don't screw up during your PI, you have a good chance of staying with the company.

I'm looking at places to live as well near Disney and I've been looking for months. It is literally driving me bonkers. I don't want Abaco Key, Alexandria Parc Vue, or the apartments behind Magic Kingdom. I looked at Cagan Crossings, but decided that's too far away. And, the other places I actually like that are close to Disney (Bella, Cumberland Park, etc.) are more than I want to pay. There is no happy medium for me right now! I'm set on living by myself though so I'm aware that no matter what I'll be shelling out 850-900 a month.

[Ikcerog]

Hello, all. Glad to see there's some conversation going on about this subject.

I participated in the CP this past January through August, and have applied for the Alumni Only PI role(s). I interviewed on September 25th, and the basics of said interview seem to fall within the framework of what has already been covered in this thread, and my Dashboard remains parked at the Interview stage since that time. As this was the first role I applied for on the 20th, during the interview I inquired if it was recommended/acceptable to apply for two other roles outside the Alumni offerings, and she confirmed that it was acceptable.

Upon applying for two other roles on the 4th of October, I received an almost immediate response, to the negative, and those roles now list as "Thank you for your interest" on my Dash, while the Alumni status remains unchanged.

So, in short, I guess I am hopeful that my name is a part of the Alumni Only pool, and I am not to be considered for anything outside of that during this process. Is that a possibility?

Also, how much weight do our Performance Evaluations carry, from doing a CP? Do those who have participated in, or rather completed, multiple programs have consideration over those like myself who have only done one; would only the most recent Evals come in to play?

In terms of which roles I selected, she did have me select my top 3 in order, and I believe it was as follows:
1. Next Generation Experience Project Management
2. Epcot Operations Support (wouldn't mind any of the parks for this, really)
3. Disney Ticket Fulfillment Specialist (in hindsight, I think I would have rather selected Disney Ticket Projects & Admin)

Anyway, glad to have a reason to be back here on DISBoards, best of luck to everyone, and I'll keep my fingers crossed for all of us!

:

[sonshineandsmiles]

Thank you! Your posts are always so encouraging.
A lot of leadership training goes into PI positions; so it would make sense to offer full-time to solid performers. Sounds like PI positions may be like a probationary period.

Also scouting the area apartments and really liked Cumberland Park (garages). Although a bit pricey ($935 1B/1B), I wonder if that's because of better security; or maybe just because of location. After reading online reviews, I agree about the apts behind MK . . . sound problematic. Parc Vue looked nice 'online'; any particular reason you excluded as one of your choices?

Priority One - safety; Priority Two - Location nearby work and no tolls to pay

PS: Does anyone know anything about working as a (seasonal) Disney Cruise Agent? The call center is in Celebration . . . wondering about apartments in that area as well . . . suppose to be an easy drive to the parks . . . but I personally don't know that.

[DisneyGirlie]

Originally Posted by sonshineandsmiles

Thank you! Your posts are always so encouraging.
A lot of leadership training goes into PI positions; so it would make sense to offer full-time to solid performers. Sounds like PI positions may be like a probationary period.

Also scouting the area apartments and really liked Cumberland Park (garages). Although a bit pricey ($935 1B/1B), I wonder if that's because of better security; or maybe just because of location. After reading online reviews, I agree about the apts behind MK . . . sound problematic. Parc Vue looked nice 'online'; any particular reason you excluded as one of your choices?

Priority One - safety; Priority Two - Location nearby work and no tolls to pay

PS: Does anyone know anything about working as a (seasonal) Disney Cruise Agent? The call center is in Celebration . . . wondering about apartments in that area as well . . . suppose to be an easy drive to the parks . . . but I personally don't know that.

I just wasn't interested in Parc Vue because of the grounds/buildings foremost. They're about 850 I believe, but the buildings seem rather old and nothing was super shiny about it. I'm a bit of a picky person when it comes to living arrangements at this point. I've moved so much during my college years that wherever I move to in Florida, I want to stay for at least 3 years. I'm so ready to buckle down and stay put. I'd rather pay a little more and move into one of the newer/fancier feeling apartments in the area. Also, I don't particularly like the location of parc vue and abaco key. They're on a road that leads conveniently to the cast lot at MK, but they're also kind of close to a lot of traffic and crap (not the complex itself, but the stuff around it). The closest place to those apartments for food and whatnot is Crossroads (taco bell, mcdonalds, red lobster, etc) but all that is smack dab in the middle of non-stop crappy traffic. I know it's going to be like that everywhere almost because I'd be moving to a touristy place, but I'm just one of those people who doesn't want to deal with ridiculous traffic just to go to the grocery store or get french fries, so....

The complex itself isn't my favorite and neither is the location.

[sonshineandsmiles]

Thanks - just marked it off the list - we have the exact same goal and point of view! Appreciate your open critique.

[DisneyGirlie]

No problem! If anyone has any suggestions on where to live/what to do for living arrangements near Disney, let me know. I'm getting exhausted looking. I actually started to look at condos/houses for rent to broaden the search, but I'm not impressed by that either.

[DisneyGirlie]

Today resulted in 3 very confusing emails from Disney.

1) They asked for my transcript to be uploaded. I have uploaded it already. I don’t know if I should re-upload it and hope they see it this time or just contact them and ask. I really need to make sure they see that. If they don’t, it says the process could be delayed.

2) I had to fill out what looked to be an application form all over again, including criminal info.

3) The most confusing email of all. The email telling me I had passed the screening interview and was on to a second round. Everyone I’ve talked to - managers who interviewed me, etc said I was onto the third round. I don’t know if they’re not counting my screening interview as the first round and they’re counting the interview I had with area managers as the first round or what. But I always thought there were 3 rounds for management internships. I know for a fact that I want my final round to be in person. The managers advised it and it’s what I want. That makes this extremely problematic. I don’t know if I would be able to make it down for another interview in addition to this one.

Also my in person interview would either have to be next Tuesday or Wednesday! Talk about short notice.

[Lady V]

I received the same three emails! I figure I'll just resubmit everything. On the one where we schedule our actual interview--did you notice we ALL interview at the maingate location? Also-I could only see a link for phone interview registration, but not for in person. Do you know which number to call? same one?
Are you going to choose Tuesday or Wednesday? Maybe we will meet! And good luck!


Wanted to add: When I went on my dashboard there was a link to schedule the in person interview. I think there only 5 or 6 slots available for each of the days. I am on Wednesday. Good luck to everyone!!

[DisneyGirlie]

Thanks! I chose Wednesday. I have my most important class on Tuesdays and Thursdays so as of now, my plan is to drive down after class on Tuesday, spend the night, have my interview, and come right back.

Talk about dedication.

And yeah, I actually am surprised that we all have it at that one location. Everyone I've spoken to made it sound like I would be speaking with specific people - like gave me the names and everything. In my interview with my area manager and another area manager, they were like "And you'll probably have your 3rd round with _________, ________, and _______. Don't be scared of their personalities." I mean I was legit given advice about people they thought would be interviewing me. But, if we all have our interviews at the same place, part of me feels that we will just have the same generic interviewers for all of us and who knows who they will be.

[Lady V]

I got the impression that we all interview in the same place for the last interview because we are all in the same 'pool' of candidates and can be put anywhere. (if hired)

[Lady V]

Originally Posted by delmar411

my DH got the call for his 2nd interview today! His will be on Thursday morning. I've got my fingers crossed!!

How did he do?

[delmar411]

Originally Posted by Lady V

How did he do?

He did really well and moved onto the 3rd round. He got those same 3 emails asking for transcripts and to fill out an application and to schedule the 3rd round interviews. We go home tomorrow though so he'll have to do the 3rd round over the phone. They gave him lots of good advice about what things to cover in the next interview. He's optimistic but still very nervous because he really really really wants this internship.

[Lady V]

Originally Posted by delmar411

He did really well and moved onto the 3rd round. He got those same 3 emails asking for transcripts and to fill out an application and to schedule the 3rd round interviews. We go home tomorrow though so he'll have to do the 3rd round over the phone. They gave him lots of good advice about what things to cover in the next interview. He's optimistic but still very nervous because he really really really wants this internship.

I'm sure he'll do great! Good luck!! It seems like they give a lot of great info to all the final candidates. I know my area managers have been beyond helpful and informative. The amount of insight,knowledge,and preparation help they have given is actually quite impressive. Disney really does want us to succeed. I know that whether here or somewhere else I am going to be a MUCH stronger candidate when interviewing simply due to the advice from my managers and mentors at Disney. I honestly feel such peace about it which is crazy since it's the final round. I feel like whatever is meant to happen will happen. While I have enjoyed living in Orlando I also am content to go back to Tennessee and my family, friends, and the job I left behind. I do feel I'm qualified for this but at the same time I feel like I'm not 100% sure I want it. I know that must sound crazy. But I do want it at the same time. Crazy, right?? I think I must be very sleepy!!
I did want to wish good luck to all the candidates for all the positions. I know it is getting close for everyone and I hope everyone's dreams come true!! I would love to sign on and see that everyone here made it!! Does anyone know how many retail management PI's there actually are?