Professional Internship Interview and Application Process

Yikes. I just had my first Professional Internship interview. Like many people, I found it hard to prepare for this since there is very little information available about the process.

So far, I have applied to the Park and Event Ticket Sales Internship and the Catering and Convention Services Internship. I was listed as "No longer in consideration" for the latter almost immediately after applying and had my interview for the former this morning.

First, there are some things you should be prepared for long before the application season even begins. All of the internships are different and require different materials throughout the process. But some things you may be asked for are:

- Resume (all)
- Cover letter
- College transcripts
- Portfolio

As a rule of thumb: If they don't ask for it, there is no need to provide it. Read the job listing very carefully. Make a note of the Application Deadline and the Materials Required. Some of the internships require a cover letter and some do not - you will find out during the application if you will be required to upload one, so be ready to write those.

I won't be able to apply to a few of the internships just because I haven't been able to figure out how to get electronic transcripts from my school. So definitely get all that figured out beforehand so you can start the application process when it opens. Additionally, if you will be applying to any type of creative role, go ahead and start working on an electronic portfolio well in advance so that it will be ready in time.

Here is the timeline for the two internships I applied for:

Park and Event Ticket Sales
9/9 - Applied
9/26 - Invited to schedule a phone screening
9/28 - First phone interview

Catering and Convention Services
9/26 - Applied
9/27 - No longer in consideration

The phone rang 8 minutes after my scheduled 11:15 interview time, at 11:23 AM. My interviewer introduced herself and explained that this would be different than the CP interview in that she would be typing all of my answers. So I shouldn't be worried about any silent pauses after my answers because it is just her finishing up typing. She also explained that, in this interview, when she asks a question, she is looking for me to answer the question and then go into detail explaining that answer and giving specific examples from my experiences.

Goodness, I don't think I did well at all. She talked very fast and it was a bit intimidating, but I also just wasn't prepared for the interview. I had to schedule it so soon after I got my e-mail and I really just wasn't prepared at all. You should be prepared to explain what you want to get out of this internship and what from your previous experience qualifies you for that particular role.

I don't think I was asked more than 5 or 6 questions before we went over the Disney look and my interviewer said "that was it" after TEN MINUTES! My interview only lasted ten minutes! I was prepared to make it last a bit longer, so I asked her a few questions.

I asked if Professional Interns were offered any educational courses or opportunities, similar to the College Program. She said that there weren't any, as most PI's are recent graduates or are working in a department or position directly related to their field of study. The CP courses are there to offer more relatable studies since most CP's aren't working in a field related to their major.

I also asked if she had any advice on what I could do to better qualify myself for a PI before applying in the spring (if I wasn't offered an internship this time around, of course!). She told me the best thing I could do is to network. I should talk to my leaders while on the College Program, try to get in contact with the Catering or Convention Directors at whatever resort I'm working at, and look for volunteer opportunities. I was surprised to learn about event volunteer opportunities, but she told me that it isn't "true" volunteering, since they are paid positions that can just be picked up by any current cast member. But Disney apprarantly lists these opportunities for events that they need extra help at, such as the RunDisney events. She said this would be a great way to meet people from different departments.

I then asked her how she started with the company (she did the CP and worked as a Jungle Cruise skipper!). After that, she was a DCP campus representative and then worked in the fashion industry in New York for a while. But she decided to come back to Disney and now works as a recruiter. She said that, while she doesn't get to have much guest interaction, she can walk through the parks and see cast members making people's days. So she gets the satisfaction in knowing that she might have hired that particular cast member! I thought that was a really cool viewpoint.

So, that was my interview. It kind of sucked, so I'm not going to hold my breath for an offer. But I am more than happy to start my career with Disney as a Concierge on the Disney College Program. I am beyond excited about my role and can't wait to get started! I'm also looking forward to being able to apply to the Alumni-Only Professional Internships in the next round. At least now I have an idea of what I'm getting into with the Professional Internship applications!

Well, It's Official!

I've paid my program fees (Total: $304.50) and I will be starting my new Disney adventure as a Concierge on Wednesday, January 8, 2013! There was only one check-in date available for the concierge role. I'm wondering if that's because we have a more lengthy training period? Either way, I'm glad my departure date is at the very end of May! More time with Disney! (Maybe I'll finally get to go to Star Wars Weekends!)

Regarding the housing fees and living offsite: I got an e-mail earlier today saying that I still have to pay all the fees upfront to accept my offer. I also have to "petition" for offsite housing. Once the request is approved and I've completed a full 30 days on the program, I will be reimbursed for the $200 housing fee. So, that kind of sucks. But I guess everyone else is having to pay all this, too.

Now to find a place to live..

Doing the DCP Right After Graduation

You know, to anyone saying that I should be looking for a management position right out of college instead of taking an entry-level paid internship: That's just not the way things work for everyone. Even if I was offered a management position somewhere, I don't know if I would take it simply because I don't have enough job experience to be a good manager at this point in my life. Sure, I've learned all the concepts and psychology behind quality guest service, but how could I guide others in a position that I haven't even had much experience in myself? The hospitality industry appreciates people who work their way up. That's how people get to where they want to be.

As a concierge, I am going to be going through lengthy, in-depth training with the Walt Disney Company. I am going to learn about the front desk, sales, guest service, and so much more. I will be able to apply that knowledge and those skills to many other positions within the company after the program ends. Additionally, I will have the opportunity to network with so many cast members in leadership positions and may even have the chance to shadow someone in a department that I'd be interested in working for.

Since I am only doing the Spring program, my role will be ending in May of 2014. I will be looking at a few options at that point. First, I will be applying to the alumni-only Professional Internships. Additionally, I will be looking at staying as a full-time employee (or whatever I can get to stay on as a regular cast member). If neither of those options work out for me, I will also look into extending my program through Spring Advantage, which lasts until August. Then I will start the process over again.

And if none of that works? There's always Universal!

I personally think this is a great opportunity for me and I see a lot of doors opening up after this experience. I know I won't be making the big bucks upon arrival, but I think I could eventually earn a comfortable living if I stay with the company.

Application to Acceptance Timeline

Below is an image showing the timeline of the e-mails I received from Disney, regarding the DCP.

September 5 - Applications open
September 6 - Applied, invited to take the Web-Based Interview
September 7 - Web-Based Interview, invited to schedule Phone Interview
September 17 - Phone Interview
September 20- Accepted into the program!

I can't tell you how thankful I am for only having to wait three days to hear about my acceptance! I definitely feel like one of the lucky ones, as many applicants who applied the first day still haven't received an invitation for the Web-Based Interview! I can't say if my timeline is average, as there are many different situations that other applicants are speaking of, but I thought I would share my personal experience.

Still waiting on a reply about the housing fees before I pay everything and accept my offer. I received an out-of-the-office automatic reply when I sent the e-mail, so I'm assuming they won't get to it until at least tomorrow (Monday).

My fiance, Jon, has passed his WBI and has his phone interview later this week! He's also applying to a position with Universal Orlando. I would love it if he worked for Universal and I worked for Disney. We could share so many cool stories!

Congratulations!

FLIPPING OUT, YOU GUYS! I got Concierge! I didn't realize just how much I wanted this role until it was actually mine! I can't wait to go through training and learn all there is to know about the new MagicBands, Fastpass+, the dining reservation system, etc. I'm so, so, so excited! I think having "Concierge at the Walt Disney World Resort" on my resume is going to open so many doors and I can't wait to see where this will take me!

Here is my role description:

•  Completing check in/check out process for concierge club-level guests by inputting and retrieving information from resort computer system;
•  Proactively greeting guests, exhibiting the expected high level of Disney show quality, often times interacting with VIP’s, celebrities, and executives;
•  Creating individualized ticket packages;
•  Being comfortable in a strong sales environment;
•  Making reservations and handling any special requests from guests;
•  Handling cash and other forms of payment, including foreign currencies exchange;
•  Maintaining cleanliness of common guest living/dining areas within concierge club-level;
•  Assisting with luggage and other deliveries to guest rooms;
•  Working concierge buffet line which can include maintaining  overall cleanliness of buffet area and replenishing food, washing  dishes, serving alcohol, maintaining inventory of liquor, and partnering  with culinary team to ensure food quantity;
•  Partnering with property VIP tour guides.

I have ten days to formally accept my offer. One of the steps to acceptance is paying the $100 program fee, which covers all the special DCP events (and I think the classes, too), and a $200 housing fee, which covers the first few weeks of rent while you're waiting on your first paycheck. I've sent an e-mail regarding the housing fee, since I won't be living onsite. I also mentioned being told that I needed to have that approved first and asked what I needed to do about that.

So I'm waiting to hear back from Disney, and then I'll be accepting, paying my fees, and choosing my check-in date!

Phone Interview: I Will Face the World - Fearless, Proud, and Strong!

I just had my phone interview! I was very nervous and excited about the interview beforehand. I've read potential questions for the interview online for years and have always had answers stored in the back of my brain. However, even though I had a full ten days to prepare for the interview, I actually didn't even write any notes down until that morning! Oddly enough, I think that helped me because I don't think that my answers sounded scripted.

I was fine for about an hour leading up to the interview, but then when the 15-minute waiting period came, my chest started tightening up, my stomach was in knots, and my mouth started going dry (as it usually does before an interview, in my case). But these were extreme jitters. It was such a surreal moment. I had been reading about these interviews for years, and it was finally my time!

To calm my nerves and pump me up, I listened to the "Go the Distance" reprise on repeat for about five minutes straight. Don't judge me, that's my jam.

The phone rang four minutes past my interview time, at 2:34 PM. As soon as the interview began, I felt fine. My interviewer started out by introducing herself and making sure this was still a good time for the interview (Um, yes! I've set aside a five-hour period for you!). We first went through my employment history, with her confirming that I had worked for the company before (Disney Store). I was asked to go through my previous positions and talk about my responsibilities.

Next we spoke about why I wanted to work for Disney and what I hoped to get out of the Disney College Program. I told her that I've wanted to work for Disney my entire life and that, when I was a kid, I wanted to either sell popcorn on Main Street U.S.A. or be a princess. Now that I am older, my career goals have changed a bit, but the company I want to work for has remained the same. I told her that I would love to use the program as a stepping stone towards a career with Disney and that I would be using the opportunity to network with individuals in the departments I'm interested in, such as the Disney Event Group. She said that was wonderful and that she wished me luck!

I was then asked a series of the typical questions that everyone else is asked. Here are some of the questions and my answers, to the best of my memory:

What pace do you prefer to work at?
Generally fast, as it helps the day go by faster and I feel like it helps me to be more efficient. However, I do like for there to be a few slower periods throughout the day to regain my composure.

Are you comfortable working in all types of weather conditions?
I've been in all types of weather conditions as a guest in the parks, so I definitely think I could handle it as my job. However, I am fairly susceptible to heat exhaustion and would prefer working indoors, if possible.

Name a time when you had to deal with a difficult guest.
Told a story about dealing with unorganized and unprepared group leaders when I worked in group sales at a water park this past summer and how I resolved the issues.

How would you deal with repetitive tasks? 
While there are repetitive tasks in any job, no day is ever the same for me. There are always unique situations that come up and every guest is different and deserves customized service and reactions.

Regarding attractions, I was asked if I have ever had to memorize long spiels of dialogue.
Mentioned being comfortable with public speaking, but that I had only done so with notes in the past.

If you had a lot of tasks to do throughout the day, how would you go about getting everything done?
That's basically all I do at school - professors always tend to schedule assignments and tests around the same time, so time management and prioritizing tasks is something I'm very familiar and comfortable with. I am always making lists and making sure everything on them gets checked off. I always get things done.

Do you think your past experience will help you in any of your selected roles?
(Yes. Hospitality major, love planning vacations, lots of guest service experience, and am very familiar with the property.)

Do you work best individually or as a team?
I think I work more efficiently as an individual, since I don't have to worry about the performance of others. However, I do think working in a team environment is beneficial when you're new at a job or if you have a lot of tasks to accomplish. You're able to help each other and work together to get things done.

Would you be able to stay calm in an emergency?
Yes. I don't get frazzled in high-stress situations while on the job. I think things through rationally, go through the steps that needs to take place to deal with the situation in my head, and then act in an appropriate manner.

Are you comfortable with being interupted?
Yes. That's what I'm there for. If I were already with a guest and someone came up to me with a simple yes or no question or simply needed to be pointed in a certain direction, I would go ahead and tell them and apologize to the orginal guest I was helping. However, if a guest came up to me with a lengthy situational issue, I would explain to them that as soon as I was done helping the original guest, I would be happy to help them.

We confirmed all of my role choices (High - Hospitality, Vacation Planner, Concierge / Moderate - Attractions, Photopass) and I was then asked about my top three and why I wanted to do them.

Hospitality - Because I want a role that ties in with my major and would earn me more experience in the industry.
Vacation Planner - Because I love planning vacations and would love helping other guests plan their own.
Concierge - Because I feel that it is a very respectable role, since you are expected to know everything there is to know about the property.

I was never asked any real situational questions for any of the positions, and we never even mentioned Photopass.

She then asked if I was familiar with the Disney look, if I had any tattoos/piercings that were viewable outside of a one-piece swimsuit, if I knew about the pay rates and availability, etc.

She then said that that was all the questions she had for me and asked if I had any questions for her. Earlier in the interview, I was asked about living with roommates. We talked about how I would be getting married before the start of the program and that I would be bringing my cat with me, so we were looking into permanent relocation to the Orlando area. She told me about the process of having to e-mail the program to get that approved. I also expressed my concerns about attending the housing events while living offsite, and she told me that I would definitely be able to.

I then asked her if, since I would be done with school and wouldn't be getting credit for anything, if she would still recommend taking any of the courses that are offered within the program. She said absolutely, especially the Disney Heritage series since I am wanting a career within the company. She mentioned all the networking opportunities, and I told her that was one of the things I was most looking forward to.

After that, I took the opportunity to express my location requests! I told her that, while I know it's not guaranteed, if I am placed in a hospitality-related position, I would love to work either at Pop Century, the Polynesian, or the Boardwalk. She confirmed that neither an offer nor a work location is guaranteed, but she asked me to repeat the locations and definitely wrote them down! So here's hoping!

After that, the interview was over. She thanked me for my time, and I thanked her (by name!) and we said our goodbyes. My entire interview lasted 17 minutes and 20 seconds, according to my phone.

I just fell back into my chair after that and took a big breath. It was over! I had no feelings regarding if I did well or not - I was just completely neutral. And I still feel that way. There's no telling what the outcome of this will be, but I remain confident in myself!

"Congratulations, you have been identified as a strong candidate!"

I completed my Disney College Program application last night and just passed the Web-Based Interview this morning! The next step is scheduling my phone interview. This is so exciting!

For roles, I picked the following:

High Interest
Hospitality
Concierge
Vacation Planner

Moderate Interest
Attractions
Photopass

I have selected 5-6 Professional Internships that I will be applying for, as soon as I figure out how to get an electronic transcript. The website I need to order it from is very confusing, so I will be calling them sometime today.

So, that's my big update for now! Hopefully I'll be back within the next week with more news.

Edit: My phone interview is for Tuesday, September 17, at 2:30 PM! Ten days is a bit of a wait, but it was the day I was most comfortable scheduling.