[tigger_90503]

Right now I am a student studing for a degree in English education.
I am also taking ASL ( american sign language).
I would like to get a job at disney when I finish school as an interperter. Was wondering what there requirements are?
Hoping someone will help.

Thanks,
Jill
Tigger_90503@yahoo.com

[disneyguy]

If you want a job AFTER you graduate then check out www.disney.com and I am sure they have an employment section. I am sure someone can tell you more about that. Disney does allow for an Internship and for that you can talk with DownSouthTigger or RowdyRaider. DST is a recruiter and Rowdy is down there right now. I do not think they have an internship as an interperter. By the way, What other language(s) do you speak?

[BuzzLightBeer]

Being an American is a big help...that's from experience. For example, there's a position posted right now for a Logistics Project Manager at Walt Disney World. I meet all of the required qualifications, all of the desired qualifications, have measured results, and know Disney deeply (over 100 days in Disney theme parks).

I applied, but am not expecting a call. I've been down this path before...I'm Canadian. And even though I'm a specialist in my field; and I have a professional degree, I'm not likely to get a call. It doesn't mean I won't stop trying...

And that's my message to you...don't stop trying. If it's what you want to do - just remember Dream, Believe, Dare, Do. It was Walt's motto - and I use it today.

Best of luck!

[mmouse67l]

That's a shame Buzz. What's the issue? Is it a work visa thing? Or did those 2 moose in Brother Bear give all you Canadians a bad name eh?

[BuzzLightBeer]

Originally Posted by mmouse67l

That's a shame Buzz. What's the issue? Is it a work visa thing? Or did those 2 moose in Brother Bear give all you Canadians a bad name eh?

Curse those vertical logs!!! There is some basis in the work visa element, except it is fairly easy to overcome when dealing with specialists and/or professionals (I've had other American companies express interest - opportunities haven't been so good yet for me to leave Canada). Disney does prefer American employees - and they have every right to. It's just very frustrating when one sees dream jobs and gets nowhere. I'm selective when applying for jobs - and pretty much get called on anything I apply to...except with Disney.

Oh well...helps to vent a bit sometimes. The position was still posted as of this afternoon, so there's hope yet. One never knows...

[mmouse67l]

Well I will keep my fingers crossed for you buddy. Good luck!

[QuackAttack]

As far as I know there is not direct jobs as "interperter" for ASL or other, can get into Guest Relations, etc. Many CMs speak different languages or can sign and get a "language pin" to go with the name tag. I took basic ASL at WDW and would like to go for advance and get my pin. Apply for any job here at WDW, get your foot in the door and then work at moving to the position you want or the level you want. If you would like to discuss by email just write me and I can give you some more information and even a cast referral to casting.

Enjoy the Magic Everyday!

[QuackAttack]

I applied for some time at WDW via the internet, but never a call from them. They don't hire managers and other "top" positions from the "outside" (with a few exceptions of course) so I left a very good paying position to fulfill my dream of working here. Most everyone enters at entry level to get in. Once on the inside you can work towards other positions and levels of management. It is understandable the way they do it for they want to get to know you first and see that you fit into their line of business. Once on the "inside" there is plenty of opportunity to advance and enjoy a career with WDW. WDW is a wonderful place to work and play, would want to be no where else. Remember too that most people are entering at entry level which means the one serving you popcorn, securing you in the attraction, driving the bus, or taking your ticket may have a BBA, MBA and/or other education and working at moving up to another position. I laugh when guests say "he/she is just a clerk/driver, server" and I know that CMs background and where they want to go. Would surprise you. I will keep my fingers crossed as well but also recommend you look at coming in at entry level, showing them what you can do and who you are, and then moving up.

Originally Posted by BuzzLightBeer

Being an American is a big help...that's from experience. For example, there's a position posted right now for a Logistics Project Manager at Walt Disney World. I meet all of the required qualifications, all of the desired qualifications, have measured results, and know Disney deeply (over 100 days in Disney theme parks).

I applied, but am not expecting a call. I've been down this path before...I'm Canadian. And even though I'm a specialist in my field; and I have a professional degree, I'm not likely to get a call. It doesn't mean I won't stop trying...

And that's my message to you...don't stop trying. If it's what you want to do - just remember Dream, Believe, Dare, Do. It was Walt's motto - and I use it today.

Best of luck!

[Michelle_r_1]

Hello everyone,

This is my first post to this great forum. I too have had a long-time dream of working for Disney, and have finally decided to truly pursue that dream this past year. I want to tell you all that your posts are very inspiring and encouraging. Just when I think I should take a "makes logical sense" (money) job that I have been often recently offererd, my heart screams "NO!" I have been doing that already all my life...time to stop. I am in Southern California and have, like some of your been applying through the Disney Careers website for about a year or so now, to no avail. But, the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim just held a two day Job Fair so I showed up bright and early on the first day. The Cast Members were just the most amazing people I may have ever had the opportunity of meeting. Anyway, the available jobs are all entry-level, attarctions, stores, guest research, custodian etc. I interviewed twice with recruiters, who were kind enough to tell me that I interviewed very well, and I go back on March 1st for the second interview. I am very excited, but at the same time I hope I am going about fulfilling my dream the right way by doing this. I can adjust to the huge cut in pay for a while, and I WILL be extremely happy just to be there at all. To help put my mind at ease, can someone give me just a few insider words of wisdom regarding my venture toward my dream? I will have completed my BS in Business/ Marketing in June and will go straight into my MBA/ Marketing after graduating. I would ultimately like to work in Burbank, CA at Disney Consumer Products or Walt Disney Studios. Am I going about this the right way? Is it possible to get into jobs across all existing Disney companies, or is that unlikely? Just want to check in with the experts. Thanks everyone!

[FireAngel]

First welcome to DC!! Being a CM is prob the best thing that I've done. It's a great experience. I really dont know about anything in DL, so I wouldnt be any help there. WDW, now that's another story. What's the same about both places is the CM who are really great and very helpful. Good luck with your second interview.

[Disnyfan83]

Welcome to DC!!! This is a great place to get your Disney fix!! Many years ago I was a CM as well. It was truely the best time of my life!! Good luck with your Disney job search. I'll send some pixie dust your way for good luck!!
Remember:
"All you need is faith and trust, and a little bit of Pixie Dust!" -Peter Pan

[Disneywife]

Originally Posted by Michelle_r_1

I am in Southern California and have, like some of your been applying through the Disney Careers website for about a year or so now, to no avail. But, the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim just held a two day Job Fair so I showed up bright and early on the first day. The Cast Members were just the most amazing people I may have ever had the opportunity of meeting. Anyway, the available jobs are all entry-level, attarctions, stores, guest research, custodian etc. I interviewed twice with recruiters, who were kind enough to tell me that I interviewed very well, and I go back on March 1st for the second interview. I am very excited, but at the same time I hope I am going about fulfilling my dream the right way by doing this. I can adjust to the huge cut in pay for a while, and I WILL be extremely happy just to be there at all. To help put my mind at ease, can someone give me just a few insider words of wisdom regarding my venture toward my dream? I will have completed my BS in Business/ Marketing in June and will go straight into my MBA/ Marketing after graduating. I would ultimately like to work in Burbank, CA at Disney Consumer Products or Walt Disney Studios. Am I going about this the right way? Is it possible to get into jobs across all existing Disney companies, or is that unlikely?

Are you going about this the right way? Probably not. Is it possible to get a job? Yes. You have a LOT of qualifications - well, you will in June! - and if you resign yourself to an entry-level job that anyone can get after high school graduation that's where you'll be stuck. You want to enter the company into a skilled, salaried position. That's not the type of jobs they are hiring for at job fairs.

The Disneyland Resort will soon enact a hiring freeze on salaried positions until April, and you don't graduate until June. I would suggest waiting until just around graduation time, and then, contact the Disneyland Resort HR department directly.

I'm not sure how Burbank does it, but I'd assume that you'd use a similar approach.

[Disneywife]

Originally Posted by Michelle_r_1

I would ultimately like to work in Burbank, CA at Disney Consumer Products or Walt Disney Studios.

A little more to add to my earlier post. The Walt Disney company has many, many divisions and subsidiaries, but the three main sections lie in theme parks, broadcasting, and corporate.

If you want to wind up at Disney Consumer Products or WD Studios, going in entry level at the Disneyland Resort would not be a good idea. I disagree wholeheartedly with the above post that CM's generally work up from entry level at the theme parks - I am sure that 99% of the employees up in Burbank and LA have never worked at the Disneyland Resort. To add fuel to the fire, those that do work in broadcasting or corporate have a nickname for the theme park employees - all 55,000 of them at WDW and all 25,000 of them at DLR included - as "carnival workers." I also disagree that they never hire for high-level positions from the outside. My dh was hired from the outside without a single day of prior Disney experience. He was hired because he had many years of experience in his industry (IT). He also went through his "Disney University" training with another fellow who had been hired into a high-level position and he had also been hired from the outside. I am sure you understand what I mean that you need to aim high to enter directly into a skilled salaried postion. You need to enter as entry-level as a college graduate into a position in your industry (ie, not scooping ice cream), and THEN work up from there. If you are qualified for the position, Disney hires just like any other employer. I wouldn't depend on just applying online. A headhunter in your industry should have information about any open positions and you can also contact HR directly, as I said in my post above.

Good luck!

[Disneyguru]

Originally Posted by Michelle_r_1

Hello everyone,

This is my first post to this great forum. I too have had a long-time dream of working for Disney, and have finally decided to truly pursue that dream this past year. I want to tell you all that your posts are very inspiring and encouraging. Just when I think I should take a "makes logical sense" (money) job that I have been often recently offererd, my heart screams "NO!" I have been doing that already all my life...time to stop. I am in Southern California and have, like some of your been applying through the Disney Careers website for about a year or so now, to no avail. But, the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim just held a two day Job Fair so I showed up bright and early on the first day. The Cast Members were just the most amazing people I may have ever had the opportunity of meeting. Anyway, the available jobs are all entry-level, attarctions, stores, guest research, custodian etc. I interviewed twice with recruiters, who were kind enough to tell me that I interviewed very well, and I go back on March 1st for the second interview. I am very excited, but at the same time I hope I am going about fulfilling my dream the right way by doing this. I can adjust to the huge cut in pay for a while, and I WILL be extremely happy just to be there at all. To help put my mind at ease, can someone give me just a few insider words of wisdom regarding my venture toward my dream? I will have completed my BS in Business/ Marketing in June and will go straight into my MBA/ Marketing after graduating. I would ultimately like to work in Burbank, CA at Disney Consumer Products or Walt Disney Studios. Am I going about this the right way? Is it possible to get into jobs across all existing Disney companies, or is that unlikely? Just want to check in with the experts. Thanks everyone!

First of all welcome to DC. I can't really give you and advice but I wish you the best of luck!!

[Michelle_r_1]

Well, thank you very much for your responses. I don't think I'll be as fortunate as your husband, Disney Wife, in that it seems the company pursued him instead of the other way around. Although I have relevant work experience, it is not at his level. Obviously he was a highly qualified candidate in his field, and it sounds like Disney got one of the very best in hiring him. So, I guess this isn't such a positive move as I had hoped, afterall. I just thought that if I could get my foot in the door, I would have access to all of the inside job openings, and be able to display my strong work ethic and meet people who could help me. I thought one could move into a professional position from an entry-level Park position if the drive and education were there. I definitely don't want to be viewed in a negative way as a carnival worker. Oh well, I suppose I should just stick to the "makes logical sense, practical" jobs that I've been offered instead. Maybe down the line I can "get in" in Burbank using the methods you suggested Disney Wife. Would you happen to know if anyone in your husband's, or a similar position is ever willing to schedule informational interviews with someone such as myself? If so, at what level should I try to contact someone for that purpose? I just don't want to give up altogether, but if the Park is TRULY not the way to go, I suppose I should reconsider meeting for that second interview. Thank you very much for the invaluable advice. I can't tell you how much I appreciate it.