"A Whole New World"

Where do all dreams come true?  In the wonderful world of Disney, of course.

At least, for many college students who dream of having an incredible paid internship the Fortune 500 company makes that dream come true.

Senior performance studies major Will Johnson wanted to perform “on the largest stage in the world as well as working for one of the most respected and known companies in the world.”

He went to Disney World and found a job he enjoyed at a place where he could gain real world experience.
“I ended up maturing a lot,” Johnson said. “ I see the change in me from sophomore year when I did the program to now, and I’m really glad I did it.”

Students are required to work full time, but there are many benefits to being a Disney employee.

They receive free passes, housing in a secure neighborhood and college equivalent programs.

Johnson said, “ These classes are not blow-off classes. If you do not attend your class regularly, the professor can ask you to leave and not come back.”

Johnson is now a campus representative. He has, along with other representatives, posted flyers, talked over information tables in the SUB, chalked the sidewalks and even created ties with Temple College in an attempt to bring them in on the opportunity.

Disney also offers a professional internship program for people wishing to pursue a master’s degree.

Senior psychology major Kate Jones said, “I really want to go somewhere that would value their employees.”

She admires the family-oriented atmosphere and the quality persona Disney creates.

Jones said, “Don’t be afraid to interview because, from what I’ve heard, they really like to hire people from this school because they know we’ll do our best.”

More information about the professional internships program can be found at DisneyInterns.com.

Anyone who is interested in working with Disney can talk  with business department representative Donna Teel or humanities department representative Dr. Diane Howard.

“I see students in every field go and come back as better communicators,” Howard said. “They come back more effective as interpersonal, intercultural communicators.”

She is impressed with the professionalism of the company and how they handle everything first-class.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Many graduates of the college program work their way up in the company into a management position, she said.

“Even if you don’t want to be a Disney cast member forever, it looks very good on a resume that you held a position within a fortune 500 company.,” Johnson said. “Amazing company, amazing people, amazing internship.”

More information about the Disney College Program can be found at www.disneycollegeprogram.com/epresentation or at the Disney Movie Night Nov. 8 at 5 p.m. in Brindley Auditorium.