Spring 2017 Professional Internship Applications

So I've been behind on this semester, but we are in yet another round of Disney Professional Internship applications. Many of the applications have closed, but there are still some out there for those interested in applying and I bet they'll be additional ones posted here and there. I've been following along on the Facebook pages and this year does seem to be working a bit differently than in the past. I'm not going to pretend to know how the process works, but I will let you know some of my observations from this time around.

1. Phone Screenings: In the past you generally only had one phone screening that counted for all of your applications. Occasionally, someone would get called up to ask a few separate questions, but for the most part you generally only had one screening whether it be for PIs in different departments or for Management Internships as well. This time around people are reporting getting more specific phone screenings and one for different positions. I remember for my second PI I applied to a wide variety of positions, including analytical ones, animal ones, and MIs and had one phone screening that I was told would be used by all.

2. Animal Programs: In the past Animal Programs PIs skipped the phone screen completely (so if you only applied to these positions you never had a phone screen) and move straight to the Animal Programs team who requested the applicant fill out a questionnaire. This year it looks like Animal Programs is acting more like other PIs in having phone screens and skipping the questionnaire. There is still the familiar outreach from the hiring team, but instead of a questionnaire it just wants to ensure people are still interested in being considered. Then people are getting the typical leader interviews for the positions. The questionnaire/phone screen swap is an interesting change, but perhaps will make it more streamlined.

3. Timeline: Overall it looks like they are changing it up to perhaps get the timeline moving faster than the past. Then again every semester everyone thinks it is going faster than previous years, and it normally works out to be the same time (or in some cases later) to hear back for positions. This year does seem to have more of a drastic shift in how the process is running, but people have been told to hear back as early as the first week of October to early December (some of these people being in the same department!). I guess only time will tell how the changes earlier in the process will influence things down the line.

As always, the current semester's Facebook page is one of the best sources of information and to unite with other applicants going through the process. Disney Professional Internship | Spring 2017

If you applied for this round, good luck and if you have any questions always feel free to comment on a post or reach out to the Facebook group as the people on the pages are great resources.

2015 Twitter Q&A: Additional Questions and their Answers

So I previously included a link to a Professional Question and Answer session recruiters held on Twitter. (see post here: Disney Professional Interns Twitter Q&A) While looking around twitter I noticed that not all the twitter answers were included in the link that Disney provided from their Twitter Q&A session. 

It looks like there were additional questions asked and answered so I figured I would compile the other questions answered by Disney Recruiters here. I have grouped them into related questions. In addition, a couple of the answers from the Disney recruiters (@WayneH1991 and @JulianaDisneyPI) didn't have corresponding questions, so I've included their answers, but the question is missing so in some cases I've made an educated guess at what the question might have been. Enjoy!

Applying for internships (eg when to apply)

Q: When will summer opportunities be available to view & apply for?

A: Posting timelines will vary so we recommend checking the website regularly for summer opportunities.

How many internships can we apply to?

There is not a limit, apply for roles you’re interested in and qualified for, just stay focused in your job search

Do you happen to know if there will be any ESPN/ABC News internships for rising college seniors for summer?

We anticipate internships in both those areas next summer, and will post them on our website later this Fall

Most of your summer production internships are for undergrads. Will there be great opportunities for grads next year?

Every summer, we offer exciting internship opportunities. Please visit http://www.disneyinterns.com  this Spring to learn more

I'm in my senior year graduating with degree in computer animation. When can I apply?

Students typically apply one semester prior to participation. Eligibility includes students and recent grads.

Can you apply for a PI your sophomore year in college, or should you wait until closer to senior year?

Be sure to review the qualifications in the posting. Some require specific academic levels, but not all do.

If I attend a school that is on the quarter system, can the internship schedule be different than what is on the job description?

Our internships are compatible with academic calendars for quarter schools. Specific dates are given at offer.

When are the ESPN internship opportunities for Spring or Summer 2015 in Bristol, Connecticut posted?

Spring Positions will be posted this weekend, and Summer positions will be posted just after the new year

Do you have the same PI job positions for both the spring and fall?

Internship opportunities may vary each season, so please visit http://www.disneyinterns.com  for all current openings

Is applying for a professional internship a better idea at the beginning or nearing the end of a persons college education

Most PI's are looking for a minimum of Junior level status, so see the job descriptions for more details

How can I still apply for an opportunity with Disney if I've passed the graduation max requirement?

hose who graduated over 6 months ago are not eligible for internships so check out http://DisneyCareers.com  for jobs

College Program

Can you apply for a CP and a PI at the same time? If you get accepted to both can you do the PI instead?

Of course! If you receive multiple offers we will work with you to determine the best role for you.

Is it possible to get a PI without first having completed DCP? Or do they have first priority?

While there are some Parks roles that do require the CP, there are also many that do not across the Company

Does having previous experience as a College Program Intern help when trying to apply for a Disney Professional Internship?

CP experience is a great way to learn our Culture, network with leaders, and prepare for the next step in your Career

No Question (probably something like, can you apply for both a CP and PI)

You can apply for both the CP and PI, and if offered both would make your selection at the time of offer

I'm graduating this semester, hopefully doing the college program in the spring, can I apply after that internship?

You are able to complete two internships back to back if selected

Cover Letters/Resumes

Q: Is it better to write a general cover letter if you plan to apply to multiple positions or write specific letters for each?

A: Be sure the position requires a cover letter. If so and the positions are very similar, one cover letter is fine.

What is your FAVORITE thing to see in a cover letter?

Be sure that a cover letter is required. If so, highlight your passion for Disney and your qualifications.

If you have different resumes on your profile, can you choose which one is attached to each application?

Yes, you can customize each resume for each application, or use one resume for all applications

Interviews

Q: If we apply for both Alumni Only & Alumni Only Events positions, do we still get one screening for all positions?

A: Only one phone screen is needed. Some positions may then require additional steps such as another interview.

Top 3 tips for a phone screen?

Have confidence, share relevant experience to the role, and be professional throughout the interview

Do interviewers work around your schedule for phone interviews?

If selected for an interview, you and your interviewer will work together to select the best time for both parties

No Question Listed (Probably something like: what are the number of interview for each position?)

The number of interviews will depend on the role, anywhere from 1 - 3 interviews on average per position.

Time Frame/Dashboard

Q: I applied for a position after interviewing for another. The status bar moved to "In Progress". Am I being considered?

A: In progress shows that your application is under review by the recruitment team, and you are in consideration

After submitting the application, what's the usual time frame to hear back for a further step with the application?

Typically, our Spring decisions will be made by late November/early December

Under my application status I see an eight step procress chart. As an applicant, what are those steps?

imelines can vary depending on the position, and range from application submission through final selection

How long are the Internships, in the Spring? Is it based on Semester or quarter system? Thanks :)

Internship lengths can vary between 4 and 7 months on average

I applied thru the Disney Hub , but I left recently , will I be able to still check the status of the app

You should still be able to view your dashboard by signing in through the external site, http://DisneyInterns.com   

Other Questions

What is the number one thing an applicant can do to stand out?

Be sure to review the qualifications for the internships for which you have applied and know why you meet them. 

Besides experience in their field, what are some things students gain from an internship at Disney

Learning from industry experts and networking with leaders from across the Company are two unique components

What are some of the classes given during the program ?

Classes are not offered as part of Disney Professional Internships.

Is is appropriate to add recruiters on LinkedIn?

Not all Recruiters will accept all Linked In requests but be sure to include an intro when requesting.

Who do I contact about an internship in Archives and corporate record keeping!

For questions about any of our internships, you can contact wdpr.professional.interns@disney.com

Generally how any applicants are there per program

We do not have a specific number, and welcome as many qualified applicants that choose to apply

Can experience hurt you? For example, work in theme parks for an extended period of time

Previous experience is a great way to showcase your knowledge of the field by telling us your story

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.