The Mouse was in the house Wednesday night as representativesfrom Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla., held a meeting in CoatesHall to give curious students internship information.
Disney has been recruiting college students for 23 years, saidRobert Hargrave, a recruitment specialist for Walt DisneyEntertainment.
The representatives were looking for workers for the SpringProgram, from January to May, and for the Spring Advantage Program,from January to August.
Sherrie Carroll, a management senior, attended the meeting andsaid she took the spring 2002 semester off to work for Disney.
“I highly recommend the program,” Carroll said. “I lovedit.”
Carroll said her job was hard but extremely rewarding.
“I met so many people I know I never would have otherwise,” shesaid. “I still keep up with my friends from the collegeprogram.”
Up to 77 percent of all college seniors have had at least oneinternship, Hargrave said, and Disney World is one of the mostimpressive companies to work for.
Hargrave emphasized the numerous diverse connections employeesbuild throughout their experience.
“Disney’s businesses include ABC, ESPN, Lifetime and countlessother big names in today’s culture,” Hargrave said.
Monica Kindley, a senior recruiter who has four Disneyinternships on her resume, credited her post-college success to herDisney World experiences.
Kindley said students interning at Disney World can expect togain numerous skills useful in future careers.
Both Kindley and Hargrave repeatedly emphasized the advantagesof adding a Disney World internship to a resume.
Kindley said all students interning should be prepared to take asemester off of school, but certain college credits can be earnedduring a student’s time at Disney World.
Kindley told students that Disney World’s workers are notemployees, they are cast members.
“Everyone plays a role,” Kindley said.
Kindley said the internships consist of 30- to 45-hour weeks at$6.25 per hour.
Interns should be prepared to work nights, weekends andholidays.
A number of University students with previous Disney internshipexperience attended the meeting and served as studentrepresentatives.
“I loved my job at Disney World, and I know it will look so goodon my resume,” said Cherie Rankin, an international trade andfinance junior who worked as a lifeguard.
Brittney Belvin, a communication studies senior, said she drovetrams for the parking department and remains close to the friendsshe made at Disney.
Students hoping for one of Disney’s internships must be 18 yearsold, full- or part-time students with at least a 2.0 GPA, Kindleysaid. They must also be in good standing with the University.
According to University Career Services policy, students on TOPSwill not lose their scholarships if they work at Disney World. TOPSand all other scholarships and grants will be deferred and astudent will still receive all eight semesters paid for.
Career Services also said students must have completed 24 hoursof coursework before they can apply to the program.