Applying for the Disney College Program can feel stressful and out of reach for most students wanting to apply. I hope these tips will help encourage you to apply and achieve your dream. Applications open January 12th and they close February 28th.
1. First take your time filling out the application
The application has many parts to fill out so take your time and try not to leave anything out. Take your time reading the questions; they are very straightforward. Make sure you lists all you assets and previous job work. Take all the possible jobs being offered into consideration on whether you really want to do them because you could be stuck with any of the ones you show interest in.
2. Do NOT get discouraged after applying
It make take weeks to hear anything back after applying for the program. Don't get to stressed out about it. Everyone's application moves at a different pace than others. It doesn't mean that they aren't considering yours.
3. Join an online community
There are many facebook pages for people who have applied for the program. They will help keep you informed and will give other people to talk to that are going through the same process. There are also many groupme chats where people talk about how they are feeling and are very supportive.
4. The next step: The Web Interview
If you hear back, you will get an email about a web interview which you will have 3 days to take. The interview times each question, but do not stress out about. Disney is just trying to get to know you better as a person and see where your values are. The questions are multiple choice and it feels more like a survey of yourself. Just read the question throughly and answer which one applies to you more. BUT try not to contradict yourself when answering the question; the questions will try to make you.
5. The Phone Interview
After your web interview, you will immediately get a response in 24 hours on whether you will move on to a phone interview or not. You will get an email to schedule you interview. Do not schedule it during class. Schedule it when you have 30 minutes before and at least 30 minutes for the interview. Prepare the interview before hand. Practice how you are gonna answer the phone and there a many websites with sample questions they may ask. When you take the interview, smile while you talk so they can hear that you are excited. Listen to everything the interviewer is saying. Avoid saying um and taking long pauses to think of your answers. Also write down your interviewers name when they say and try to use it in the interview and when it is over. Disney loves when you remember names. Lastly, do NOT be afraid to ask them questions about the program and about their adventure with Disney.
6. Do not stress about hearing back
It could take a while or no time at all to hear back after your phone interview. Do not lose hope...I almost did after a month of waiting. Try to take your mind off of it until you hear back. Do not let waiting distract you from school or friends.
7. DO NOT GIVE UP
If you don't get accepted or get any form of an interview, DO NOT GIVE UP. Apply again, there is nothing stopping you. You can apply as many times as you want while you are in college. They have the applications open up until the semester after you graduate. You have the time to keep trying.
I hope these tips help and you get to live your dream of working for Disney.
