By Andrew Leister
Students from Millersville University have an opportunity of a lifetime to participate in an internship, which takes them to Disneyworld, FL.
This program is not offered directly through the University, but students from MU have been applying and taking a semester off to participate in it for years. Beginning in the early 80s, it has been going on at least two decades. The first Millersville student to take advantage of the program was in 2001.
The application process is straight-forward, but extensive. Disney, as a company, has a list of requirements that students who are applying must meet. Individuals have the option of applying online, or in person. “College Night”, which is an in-person interview time period, allows interested students the opportunity to put their best foot forward and be evaluated by a recruiter.
Students can apply for different “roles”, which include being placed in charge of attractions, life-guarding, hospitality duty, or working in food and beverage.
There is a role checklist which is filled out during the application process.
“I did two jobs while there,” said Senior Laura Heffner. “I was in charge of the Magic Kingdom main entrance parking, and then switched to the Jungle Cruise attraction.”
From left to right: Graduate student Joshua Belice, Senior Laura Heffner and Sophomore Andrew Stine promote the Disney internship on Sept. 23 in McComsey Hall. Photo by Christian Shuts.
From left to right: Graduate student Joshua Belice, Senior Laura Heffner and Sophomore Andrew Stine promote the Disney internship on Sept. 23 in McComsey Hall. Photo by Christian Shuts.
The option for taking courses during the semester in Disney is available. These courses can either be leadership or business related. The time frame for students to participate follows the normal Millersville University semester schedule: January through May, for spring semester, and August through December, for the fall semester.
Spring and fall advantage programs go extra long through the year. January through August would be a typical spring semester for these students.
The only responsibility students have to the University, is a paper turned in at completion of the semester at Disneyworld. “I am doing this through the Internship office, which requires a paper turned in,” said Sophomore Andrew Stine. “We do not have responsibilities through Disney for educational purposes.”
If students decide to take credit courses while participating, they must pay for those credits through the University.
There is no normal tuition.
An option of attending leadership seminars is also available.
So far, there has only been one application accepted for the spring semester. Applications are not closed, and will continue to be accepted until Disney fills all positions needed through the many organizations and universities.
There is still time to apply for the spring semester.
“People don’t know much about it,” said Stine. “But it is growing.”
Disney just built more housing in Florida for students to stay, while interning with the company.
There was a meeting held on Sept. 23, in which an e-presentation was shown, and students interested in the program could apply online. There was a turnout of 23 interested students. Another meeting, which will cover the same information, will be held in McComsey 235, on Oct. 28, at 7p.m.
“The communication and leadership skills gained through the program are extremely relatable to any major of study you are going into,” said Heffner. “It really changes you.”
More information can be accessed through the Disney Internship Program, www.wdwcollegeprogram.com.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SPECIAL EVENTS GIFT REGISTRY
