Last Days Living in Livonia

Friday 6th
So on Friday I woke up a lot later than I planned and chilled for a chunk of the day. I had to finish a few things up for my work for the Hope College Chemistry department, so I worked a few hours on that. I also got my information for housing check-in on Wednesday. Instead of checking in at The Commons, where Spring 2014 people did, we will be checking in at Vista Way. It will be an interesting, long day, since I will have to head right to Casting, then hopefully have a bit of time before the Animal Programs meeting, and then finally move into housing. Friday evening, my family went to a graduation party for one of my sister's friends. It was fun. They had pretty good food catered and even had a bartender. I ended up getting a margarita and tried a sip of my mom's Long Island Ice Tea (wasn't a big fan...) 

Then my best friends Mary and Ashley joined me at this restaurant at a local golf course called the Tin Cup for a last goodbye. My mom had been there a week or two ago and recommended it to us. Since I had just eaten at the grad party and Mary was coming from a dinner with her aunt who was in town, Ashley got a burger (which looked pretty good) and I ordered a side of sweet potato fries, which were good and had honey on them, which I never thought to try. The big highlight of the evening was out drink order. We split an 100oz Power Tower. Only Ashley and I were there when we ordered it and got some funny looks from the other people in the restaurant. 

The Power Tower

We had a great time hanging out, and they even bought me some Michigan themed gifts! We even tentatively planned them coming down the week after Ashley graduates in December! After finishing, we decided to call my parents to pick us up so they came and got us and drove my car home. Mary and Ashley left theirs overnight since we asked and they said they lock a gate. They decided to sleep over, so we played our favorite game, 1313 Deadend Drive, and slept on the couches in the basement (well Mary decided to sleep on a bunch of body pillows instead...)

1313 Deadend Drive...Our favorite game!

Saturday 7th
We woke up really early (6:30!) and talked for a few hours before I drove Mary and Ashley back to the golf course to pick up their cars. We hugged goodbye and drove separate ways. It was hard, but we are used to not seeing each other for months at a time, so I know that we will keep in touch and see each other sooner than we know!

I then spent part of the day doing errands with my mom. At night my family hopped to 3 different parties. The first one had the best food. It was catered and probably the best grad party food I have ever had. The second party we didn't spend a ton of time at and didn't eat much. The third we spent a ton of time at. They had catered greek food and stuff. It was pretty good. The best part was the deserts. I joked with the mom that she needs to send me care packages of her deserts (they are soooo good!). I only half jokingly said I wanted to come pick up some extras the next day (I really wanted those deserts!) Megan stayed longer, but my parents and I were tired and getting attacked by mosquitos, so we decided to head home.  I went through my clothes with my mom making sure I didn't forget anything important and then crashed since I was exhausted.

Sunday 8th
My dad rotated my tires and made sure I knew how to change a flat. My mom and sister had to do a bunch of errands for her grad party next week. We went to yet another grad party (I am seriously going to miss getting all this free delicious food in Florida!) and finished going through my stuff. My dad and I even stopped by the storage unit and found my Tigger! I will be taking pictures of Tigger on my drive down. I went by my Grandma's house and picked up some cookies she made for me and said goodbye. It was really hard. I tried to hold back tears and put on my sunglasses before she could see. I just am worried that something will happen to her and it could be the last time that I see her. I didn't have time to stop by my other Grandma's assisted living. I feel bad, but she barely knows who I am anymore and wouldn't understand what was going on. I said goodbye to her on Thursday at my sister's birthday dinner, but I hope that nothing happens to her either since it will be probably harder to talk to her on the phone and everything. She has Alzheimer, but is otherwise really healthy, so I hope that I won't have to have more regrets about not being able to say a final goodbye to her. Lastly, I ended the night watching the Tigers game and making a no-sew blanket. My mom and sister gave me some material, but I ended up being the one to spend my last few hours making it! lol.

Well the car is all packed up and ready to go, so I should get a few hours of shut eye until I leave bright and early tomorrow morning!

Tigger has been rescued from the storage unit

The pictures weren't uploading right, so I put reminders in to put them up when I get a chance. I promise to finish my PI application posts soon! I had written a bunch up in advance since I knew how crazy these last few days would be, but I got to one that I needed to type up and haven't gotten a chance to. Well, almost set to begin my exciting journey to Florida bright and early tomorrow!

Second Interview

Other News First
Went to Hope College (my alma mater!) today to meet up with one of my professors about the work I have been doing for the Chem Department from home. I thought I would be done, but I still have a few more hours of work I'll have to do on Thursday. It was really hard to say goodbye to a bunch of my professors. This is the first time in 4 years that I don't know the next time I will be in Holland. While there were times that I really didn't want to be there, I had a lot of good times on campus. I will really miss it. I am really sad I didn't get to see the professor I did research for since he is moving to Spokane, WA in 2-3 weeks. It is really hard since it is one of the first times that I feel like I possibly won't ever see someone again. I keep telling myself my family used to live in Spokane and since that is were I was born there is a chance that I could be back there someday. I am still glad I got to back, but for the first time in forever (cue Frozen music) I am I looking forward to the next time I can go back.


Onto the Purpose of this Post...Second Interviews!
So I already mentioned the screening interview that most of the Professional Internships have to do with one of the Disney Recruiters. After your screening interview (or right after you have submitted your application) the recruiters will pass on applications that they think could be a good fit to the managers in the Line of Business for your position. This is often where the waiting comes into play. These managers are often have a full time job to complete before they can even look at intern applications. 

Possible Next Steps After Screening Interview After the managers look at your application, there are a few different things that can happen: you can get a supplemental application, you can get a second interview, or you could potentially not hear anything. Don't fret! Not hearing anything isn't necessarily bad. Some positions, especially Alumni Only ones, don't even have a second interview. However, positions like MIs (Management Internships), pretty much have a set number of interviews from year to year. MIs often have two or three interviews (including the screening one) so if you don't hear about a second interview and other people are getting thirds, it might be a sign that you not get the position. However, until your position goes NLIC you don't have to lose all hope. 

Types of Second Interviews A lot of positions have phone interviews for second interviews and some do an internet video interview. Very, very few will even give you the option to interview in person, but MIs are the only ones that I know of that typically do have the option to do an in person second interview (but you don't have to!). Second interviews vary a ton between positions; a lot last about 20-40min, but it isn't unheard of for some people to have ones that are HOURS long. If you ask me, if you get an interview a couple of hours long, I think there is generally a pretty good change you will get the position because I don't foresee many people having a lot of time to do more than a handful of interviews of that length.

If you want to know about a specific position, feel free to ask, but a good place to go is to join past Professional Internships group pages on Facebook and search to see if there is anything about it. Since I did a Montage Interview, I can post about my experience with that next.

Supplemental Applications

At some point after you submit your application you might be contacted to submit additional materials or fill out a supplemental application. Some positions that do this are graphic design, journalist, etc internships that ask to submit a portfolio. Obviously if you have read my other posts you know that I didn't apply to those internships, so I will briefly talk about the Animal Programs and Agriculture Sciences Supplemental Applications. I got both of these shortly after I submitted my application. 

Animal Programs The Animal Programs limits that a person can only apply to 3, so people on the Facebook page that applied to more had to say which 3 they wanted to stay in consideration for through this email. I already knew this, so I had only applied to 3 (Education Conservation Presenter, Chemistry, and Reproductive Biology). The Animal Programs application had a set of standardized questions for each of the positions that I applied for through their department. The questionnaires for each position pretty much wanted to know that I did in fact have the qualifications list, list experiences and such. I then had to email those back and a cover letter that covered all 3 positions. They also ended up asking me for another copy of my transcript since they had had difficulty opening the one I had uploaded on my dashboard.

Agricultural Sciences The Agricultural Sciences one (for the Biotechnology position I applied for) asked for a cover letter, transcript, and letter of recommendation. They didn't have any extra questions. I, however, decided to withdraw my application for this position at this point in time.



OTHER UPDATES: 1 week until I leave for Florida! Oh, and how can I forget?!?! One week from today I will be leaving for Florida (well hopefully by this time we will be in Georgia for the night). I can't believe it is getting so close! I felt like I was doing well on packing, but now I feel like I have so much to do and no time to do it in! Tomorrow I am heading over to my college to finish up my work there and then Wednesday I have 2 doctors appointments and my family is going to the Tigers game for my dad's/sister's birthdays, so I will pretty much have zero time to get stuff organized. Also, with my OCDness I pretty much planned my sister's college class list today so she will be ready to register tomorrow. Well, off to make sure I have everything ready for my day trip tomorrow! 

PI Application

I figured since there isn't a ton of information out there about the PI application process I would make some posts each day before I leave about different parts of the process. This first post will be about the application itself!

Recruiting Seasons
PI applications generally follow two recruiting seasons, Summer/Fall and Spring. Spring applications generally comes out at the end of August, while Summer/Fall ones generally come out in January. However, professional internships can be posted at any time and can range in length from 3 months (summer) to 1 yr. The majority run about 6 months and go from January to June or June to January.

The Application

The application itself is relatively straightforward. It is recommended when applying to only apply for ones that you have all of the required qualifications and some/most of the recommended applications. Then since before any person sees your application, a computer reviews your resume, so many people recommend wording your experiences in a similar manner as is worded in the posting. 

Once you start the application you pretty much just enter your information, job experience, upload your resume, and answer a few qualification questions at the end. It is also a good idea to upload anything that is mentioned posting (eg. if they ask for a transcript you should upload it!). If you are applying to a general posting like Alumni Only or Marketing, you might check off which specific positions you are interested in. 

Cover Letter

Some people say you should always include a cover letter so you can possibly stand out. Other people say to only include what is asked because they want to see if you can follow instructions and won't even look at it. I didn't upload one, but I was directly contacted by the department to submit one. They didn't ask for one in their posting since they wanted just one cover letter to cover all internships that I applied for within their department so they don't ask applicants until later since people will just submit individual ones. Therefore, I would use your best judgement on whether or not to include extra things like cover letters to your application since I am not a recruiter or hiring manager so I don't know what they are looking for.

That is pretty much it to the applications! You should really have a few people look over your resume. It is better to wait until everything looks good rather than be the first person to submit your application.

My Experience
I literally applied on the last day applications were open and got an offer! I already had a full time job offer and didn't know if I should apply for an internship. I wouldn't recommend waiting until the last day in case something goes wrong. I ended up applying for 3 Animal Programs internships (Chemistry, Conservation Education Presenter, and Reproductive Biology) and 1 Agricultural Sciences one (Biotechnology).

PI Timeline

So when I have been reading Disney College Program and Disney Professional Internship Blogs for a couple of years now. I even debated doing a CP or PI during a semester during college but couldn't find the time without delaying graduation. When I actually applied this semester I decided not to do a blog and just make a SmashBook to remember my experiences. However, as the time gets closer to my internship check-in I have been reading blogs again and decided that others might find this information useful. I also thought it would be a good place to get more of my thoughts down than I could in my SmashBook. I might decide to post pictures as I complete pages in my book, too.

To start out I will just give the timeline I experienced and will then spend the time leading up to my check-in going into more detail about the process.


Fall 2014 Professional Internships
28 Feb 14- Applied for 3 Animal Programs positions (Education Presenter, Chemistry, Reproductive Biology) and an Agriculture Sciences Biotechnology position  (on the last day apps were open!)
4 Mar 14- "Application Received" email from Animal Programs email w/ request for additional materials (1 Cover Letter and Questionnaires for each position) due within 24hrs
5 Mar 14- Submitted additional materials for the Animal Programs Positions
6 Mar 14-"Biotechnology Application Received" email from WDW EPCOT Science Internships w/ request for additional materials (cover letter, letter of recommendation, transcripts) due by March 14th
             -"Incomplete Application for Disney's Agricultural Sciences" catch-all email
               -"Application Complete" email from Animal Programs team
            -Decided not to proceed with Biotechnology application
10 Mar 14- Email request to schedule a phone interview
13 Mar 14- Reminder that Biotechnology material due by the next day
14 Mar 14- Montage Interview Information Email     

15 Mar 14- Montage Video Interview for Education Presenter
               -"Thank you for participating in a Montage Interview" email

17 Mar 14- Email from Chemistry Manager for Interview

18 Mar 14- Background check email
19 Mar 14- "Thank you for your Interest" NLIC for Reproductive Biology 
24 Mar 14- Chemistry Internship Phone Interview
9 April 14- Request to Schedule "Brief Phone Call"
10 April 14- Education Presenter Offer Phone Call!!! 
                -Congratulations email!
12 April 14- Accepted offer
                -Request for Additional Information Email
                -Welcome to the Team Email
13 April 14-Signed up for Company Sponsored Housing
16 April 14- Invitation to join Animal, Science, and Environment Yammer Group
                -Long informational email about my internship from department
21 April 14- Another NLIC email for Reproductive Biology
               - "Thank you for your Interest" NLIC for Chemistry
22 April 14- Invitation to join Disney Professional Internship Yammer Group
29 April 14- "Thank you for your Interest" NLIC for Biotechnology
4 May 14- New Hire Portal Instructions (2 separate emails for username and password)
7 May 14-DORMS registration  (2 separate emails for username and password)
             - DORMS roommate linking confirmation
9 May 14- Email with Casting Time for Check-In day
15 May 14- Invitation for Animal Programs Welcome Gathering
11 June 14- Check-in!


Wow! That was a lot longer than I thought it would be, but I thought others might think a detailed response would be helpful. Here are my past applications if you want to get an idea of how other Disney positions work. If you have any questions about these applications, feel free to ask!



Summer 2013 ESPN Statistics and Information Application Timeline
28 Dec 12- Application submitted
              -"Thank you for applying" email
2 Jan 13- Assessment request (had to take a Sports Knowledge Assessment)
Eventually went No Longer in Consideration (NLIC) on dashboard but didn't get an email

Fall 2013 Disney College Program
26 Feb 13- Application submitted
              -"Thank you for applying" email
              -Web Based Interview Request
              -Telephone Interview Request
              -Telephone Interview Confirmation
5 Mar 13-Telephone Interview
6 Mar 13- "Thank you for Interviewing" Email
8 Mar 13- Accepted as a Lifeguard
                 Ended up turning down position.

Disney Daydreaming

So I told myself that I would be really productive today with work. I am currently working from home re-writing the General Chemistry Labs Prep Instructions. It is great since I am really flexible, can work from home, and make some extra money before I head down to Disney. However, it also means that I can get distracted easily. I wasn't really feeling well today, and I ended up reading Disney College Program Blogs a good chunk of the day.

 I was a little productive getting ready to go to Disney. I went through the last few boxes from college to figure out what I was definitely taking, definitely not taking, and things I might take if I have room. I have put all of the non-clothes things into my the living room so I could put it all in one place to see how much I have. I feel like I am doing well on space and can hopefully take some extra stuff! 

Well, back to watching the Tigers game, before bed. 
btw-not that many people will care, but my family went to a Toledo Mudhens game last night (the AAA affiliate of the Tigers) and Jim Leyland was sitting a couple of rows behind us behind home plate. For those who don't know, Jim Leyland is the Detroit Tiger's retired manager. He is still working for the club in the front office and was sitting with some scouts. The Mud Hens lost, but one of the players scored 2 home runs and only needs 1 more to break the minor league record and my sister and I took a picture with Jim Leyland (after creepily sneaking looks back throughout the game)!

Megan and I with Jim Leyland (Detroit Tiger's retired manager).

I'm Going to Disney World!!!

I haven't blogged in a while, but I figured now was a good time to start it back up because I have BIG news!

I graduated from Hope College a few weeks ago with my Bachelors of Science in Biology and my Bachelors of Arts in Mathematics. It doesn't really feel like I am done though, since I am still working for the Chemistry Department re-writing the Gen Chem prep manual. 

The exciting thing is I found out about 2 months ago that I was offered a Fall 2014 Professional Internship at Disney's Animal Kingdom working as a Conservation Education Presenter for 7 months! I am super excited to live and work at the Happiest Place on Earth doing something that I am passionate about!

I want to make this blog to help log everything that I will be doing so I can remember everything and others can read follow along in my journey! Between working, packing, going to Megan's events, playing with my dogs, and everything else being home brings I have a ton to do before I leave. Check-in is in 3 weeks from today. I am super excited, but sad that I won't be home at all for 7 months and a little overwhelmed with all that I have to do to get ready.

Final-ly End of Classes

Notice what I did with that title? It is time for every students least favorite week of the year: finals!

The last few weeks have been VERY hectic and have been a rollercoaster of emotions.

Vienna: Last Sunday we had a Vienna kick-off dinner. It definately made everything much more real. I found out my living situtation while in Austria and I am happy to see what comes in store. I am going to be living with 3 other girls with a Hope alum in District 13. We (at least Janelle and I) were all very excited that we will be having a dog! Apparently we will be in an appartment above the family with our own balcony. She seems to really want to do things with us, which I am excited for. Before we found out our housing, Janelle's sister had said to make sure we go to the zoo. I looked it up and it happens to be in District 13 and is the oldest zoo in the world! I am pumped. I am a little sad though, since it seems we take a bus into the heart of the city, while I was looking forward to the subway. :(

Tod: My boss, friend, and professor has been having heart problems since the summer of 2011. I TA'ed his section of lab this semester and about a month-month and a half ago he stepped down from his position as an instructor of the lab so different professors rotated in to fill in. Well, he had been in the hospital and passed away last Sunday. It has been really hard. I begin to get closer to him this year working his lab, doing prep, and just going into his office to compare heart stories. I visited him in the hospital and I have to say it was one of the hardest things I have ever done. This week was extremely emotional and many tears were shed. I hope that I can serve Tod's memory proud to aim to live like him. I think I have to stop; I just am having a hard time thinking about it.

End of Semster: My mom came last weekend to take a bunch of my stuff home. I was with her when I heard about Tod and I am glad she was here. Everyone came for the Honors Convocation on Thursday where I received the Cancer Federation Award and was recognized for being Honorable Mention for the Goldwater Scholarship and for being intiated into Mortar Board. Yesterday my housemates and I went to the state beach to watch the sunset, got Captain Sundae, and watched The Hunger Games. Today I made 100s of notecards for my two Monday finals (Genetics and Health Dy). Tomorrow is going to be super busy (gross); I have Gen Chem review session, APO composite pictures and possible meeting with my Math Bio group. I also need to finish 3 assignments for Math Bio which will be a big focus of at least some of my day tomorrow.

Also, I didn't tell too many people about this, but I had applied for some internships at ESPN and Disney this summer and have finally gotten all of my No Longer In Considerations updates. O well. I will perhaps apply again and maybe apply for some Animal Programs ones in the future.


Well, I believe that is far long enough of a post. Perhaps more when finals are done. (5 days!!!)