Disney is offering paid internships located at both Disneyland and Disneyworld-for those who wish to move to a tropical location, for those who wish to learn about the world of entertainment, and for those who have ever wished upon a star.
???"When they think of us, most people think of Mickey Mouse and theme parks," said Margo Haines, Disney college recruiter. "We're so much more diverse than that."
???Haines, who first interned with Disney in 1998, has watched the company's continued advancement in big-screen creations as well as its expansion to other markets.
???"One thing you probably didn't know was that Disney makes wedding dresses," Haines said. "That one always gets me."
Disney recruiters are in search of adventurous students who might be interested in working and studying at either of the company's major locations in Florida or California. Every student who participates, according to Haines, will have a chance to live, learn, and earn money through Disney. Those who are interested should apply through the Web site at www.disneycollegeprogram.com.
???"The classes at Disney are deemed worthy of credit by the American Counsel on Education," Haines said. "This means that the classes you take at Disney will be of the same rigor of the classes you would take here at the university."
???Disney College students go through classes such as Marketing You, which teaches useful career tips like resume writing and networking. Another interesting course is Professional Development Study, which teaches students about onstage and off-stage opportunities. The Leadership Speaking Series is an opportunity to hear from eight vice presidents in eight weeks.
???Though the classes are not required, they are valuable to students who are trying to acquire credit hours and for those who want to make connections at Disney.
???"We take students out to see things firsthand with Professional Development Studies, where they get a chance to see professionals working in the actual field," Haines said. "When we do this, we are literally handing out networking experiences to our students."
???According to the Web site, every intern will be responsible for working anywhere from 28 to 32 hours per week at a job that they will be assigned. Depending on the role that they are given, this work can earn them from $8.68 to $11.50 per hour.
???After completing the program, Disney interns are eligible for another position with Disney, either with the Disney College Program or a Disney Professional Internship, which will point them in a direction that is more aligned with their major, according to the Web site. The education that the internship program provides is partially intended to prepare its students for such a job.
???Interns will have a choice of a one to four bedroom apartment that they will share with one to seven roommates. Simply living at Disney will be a unique experience because the interns come from all over the country, Haines said.
???Residents of Disney apartments will be living in fully furnished apartments, in a gated community that is close to many local shops and attractions. One such attraction that may be of particular interest to students is a museum located on the ground floor of the Center Street Promenade apartment complex, showcasing works and exhibits from the Smithsonian Institute.
???"Basically, all you need are clothes and amenities," Haines said. "Everything else is provided."
???If money is an issue for any prospective interns, it may be useful to know the cost of rent for one of these apartments, which ranges from $75 to $159 per week. The more roommates that one chooses to live with, the lower the cost of their housing.
???After weighing the benefits of networking and experience against the cost of living and the possibility that as an intern, one may have to take a step out of his or her comfort zone and into a new world, students may find the Disney experience to be worth the work. During and even after college, many students will remain unsure of where they want to take their future. Aiding in that decision is what the Disney College Program aims to do.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
