Disney College Program

On my list of things-to-do to get hired by Disney is the Disney College Program or DCP. What better way to get hired by your company of choice than to have it beaming there on your resume? It's my secret weapon, my lighthouse beacon, my jumping up and down waving my arms in the air shouting "Pick me! Pick me!" Any job at Disney is REALLY competitive and DCP is no different. I applied for the fall of 2012 and was wait listed and then months later, rejected. The plan now is to apply again for the spring but I wanted a compilation of tips and tricks that may help me, or you, get into the program.

DCP is all over the social networking sites; like it, follow it, friend it, subscribe to it, bookmark the website. This is part of your research that you would do for any job. Learn what is going on, what you like and dislike about it. Watch videos on Youtube posted by it and by previous participants. You will learn TONS from the former cast members about everything: the interview, the job, the preparations they took, what they like and dislike about it, and in the end what they left with after the program.

Make yourself aware of Disney policies for their cast members. DCP has its main focus on the working aspect on the program and less on the education. (You can take a class through it and get college credit IF your college excepts the credit so check with them.) Disney has something called the "Disney Look," and if your dream has always been to work there you already know this. The Disney Look is something that every Disney employee has and they won't hire you if you don't follow it.

Research the interview on Youtube from previous participants. Make a list of the kinds of questions asked and feel free to make a cheat sheet for yourself for the PHONE interview. Sucks that it's over the phone but it does have this perk at least, and that the interviewer can't see in your eyes how nervous you are (unfortunately for me, this was the first thing I blurted out to her.)

After all of this research you are ready to apply. If you have done your research right, DCP has e-mailed you the moment they began to take applications. Apply at this moment. On the application you come to a page that asks you to put down all of the positions you are applying for. TIP: They will not hire you for it if you don't apply for it, so apply for EVERYTHING you can. Apply like you are desperate for a job and your seven kids will starve if you don't get it.

If it goes well then you will be invited for a web interview and then the phone interview. When you apply early, all of this happens in a matter of days (waiting for each step is excruciating!!). When you are waiting after you apply, go ahead and attach your formal resume to your dashboard. For your phone interview, tips I've read and will try for my next application:
1. Dress for the occasion
2. Have your cheat sheet and any questions you might have prepared
3. Make sure you are alone and in a place with good cell reception
4. Make sure you thank your interviewer!!!!!

Counting my blessings daily. To all of the friends and family that have brought me to this path I travel: every step towards my future, damp from tears of joy or sorrow, I walk in memory of you and the moments with you that make life so special. I only hope that I have repaid my debt to you by giving the same freedom that comes with the treasure a person that you can be 100% yourself.