If you love Disney and you want to gain some great experience to put on your resume, you should think about applying to the Disney College Program (DCP). I know some of you might be freaking out because you heard about the brutal application process, but I applied twice, and got accepted twice! So let me give you some insight.
First of all, don't freak out if you don't have a ton (or any) experience! Lucky for you, if you have been enrolled in college for more than a semester and you're over the age of 18, you can apply. In fact, you can even apply up to six months after you've graduated! The application is pretty standard to most job applications. You will get more familiar with what roles are available for the DCP and will have the option to specify what you would like to do.
If Disney likes what they see on your initial application, you will be invited to complete a web-based interview. This is a series of questions that gives Disney a feel for how you are as a worker and how comfortable you would be living away from home with roommates. These questions are asked on a scale (e.g. Not likely, Likely, Very likely, etc.). Many people who have successfully gotten past the web-based interview (WBI) agree that Disney likes to see someone who has strong opinions. It's okay to answer "Neutral" on some of the questions. But ultimately, my best piece of advice here is to be yourself. Don't answer questions based on what you think Disney wants to hear. If you find yourself struggling to have strong opinions or don't agree with what the questions are asking you, the DCP might not be the thing for you.
If you pass the web-based interview, you will move on to a phone interview. Luckily, you get to schedule your interview time and date. I recommend you do your interview in a place that is quiet with little distractions. I personally liked to have a notebook with me that had some notes and some positive quotes. Give yourself some time to get your stuff together and calm your nerves. When my interviewer called, I liked to wait until the second or third ring so I had a chance to relax. Obviously, that is a personal preference. If you're anything like me, you've probably looked up some possible questions that they could ask. I think it's great to be prepared, but ultimately, you never know what they are going to ask. Be honest and be yourself. Have a good time with it. I also liked to remember the name of my interviewer so I could thank them after the interview was over. Some people get nervous to ask a question when the interviewer asks, but if you have a question, don't be shy! I liked to ask how my interviewer got started with Disney. Ultimately, my best piece of advice is to just be yourself!
After the phone interview, it's a waiting game. Some people wait months to hear something back. I was very fortunate and only needed to wait four days. But, don't freak out if you don't hear something immediately. Don't be discouraged if you don't get accepted either. Many people have applied numerous times before they get accepted. Just have "Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust" and your dreams can come true!!
