How does Disney Professional Internship program work?

phooofanatic

Earning My Ears
Joined
Oct 5, 2018
I had a few questions about the DPI if anyone could provide me with some answers, it'd be much appreciated.

1. Can I still attend my university while doing this internship? Can I still be taking my courses (as I still want to graduate on time), and doing the internship on the side?
  • Do I have not take any courses at my university for the quarter/semester?
2. What are some beneficial sides to being a DPI?
 
There a a bunch of different types of professional internships - mine was a standard office position so that's the view I will speak from (there are plenty of other roles that are structured differently than a 9-5 type role, but I have limited knowledge on them and how they work)

A professional internship is a temporary, full time, hourly role - you will be working 40 hours a week in line with the office you work for. For me that was M-F, 9-5.
The only people I know who continued to take classes did so online, but very few people did. Most of the interns I knew (myself included) did the internship after graduating, and some took the semester/year off to work.

The benefits are in line with what any other internship would be - professional experience in an office setting - with the added bonus of being at Disney (with their standard perks of park entry, discounts, etc). There is housing available to interns, but no transportation.

In every department I've worked with, interns are involved with projects from the start, and get to work on some really cool projects.
Not every team hires interns, but once you are in it's easier to transition to a regular full-time role than it would be coming in from the outside.


I would 100% recommend a PI to anyone who is interested in learning the business side of Disney. Even if you don't want to stay long term, working for one of the top companies is an amazing experience that you take with you wherever you end up
 
You can't really take classes while doing a PI because they're normal M-F 9-5 PM hours for most professional internships. They're extremely competitive to get. What are the advantages? Experience in your field at a top notch company.
 
There a a bunch of different types of professional internships......There is housing available to interns, but no transportation....
....can you tell me approximately where that is located? My DS is currently doing DCP but, with the aid of his leader, he is trying to secure a server position at one of the restaurants at BC/YC. He was told he'll have to vacate the dorm [currently at Chatham]...I was curious as to the distance from WDW. As a computer science major, he'd like to eventually be hired for cyber security.
 


....can you tell me approximately where that is located? My DS is currently doing DCP but, with the aid of his leader, he is trying to secure a server position at one of the restaurants at BC/YC. He was told he'll have to vacate the dorm [currently at Chatham]...I was curious as to the distance from WDW. As a computer science major, he'd like to eventually be hired for cyber security.

The PI housing is behind Magic Kingdom in Independence
If he transfers to a non-DCP role, there are a ton of apartments around Disney, and there is always someone looking for roommates.
 
The PI housing is behind Magic Kingdom in Independence
If he transfers to a non-DCP role, there are a ton of apartments around Disney, and there is always someone looking for roommates.
...good-to-know.
 
....can you tell me approximately where that is located? My DS is currently doing DCP but, with the aid of his leader, he is trying to secure a server position at one of the restaurants at BC/YC. He was told he'll have to vacate the dorm [currently at Chatham]...I was curious as to the distance from WDW. As a computer science major, he'd like to eventually be hired for cyber security.
I thought you could not change roles during your CP?? It sounds like he would be transitioning from the CP into a pt/ft role. Would that be considered self-terming?
 


There is housing available to interns, but no transportation.
Sorry I know you just got a question about this, but im hoping to jump to a PI after my DCP. How does the housing work? I've always been told they don't even have it. Also, can you be considered if you can't drive? I would find other ways to get to work, because I'm uncomfortable driving with my disability.
 
I thought you could not change roles during your CP?? It sounds like he would be transitioning from the CP into a pt/ft role. Would that be considered self-terming?
Moving from a CP to a statused role is considered a promotion. Self-Terming is voluntarily separating from the company (aka quitting)
CPs arent generally able to change roles mid-session, but they can transfer after an extension. Its role dependent, but plenty of people start in one area and finish in another

Sorry I know you just got a question about this, but im hoping to jump to a PI after my DCP. How does the housing work? I've always been told they don't even have it. Also, can you be considered if you can't drive? I would find other ways to get to work, because I'm uncomfortable driving with my disability.

The PI housing is very limited and offered at Falcon Square apartments in Independence. It is up to you to find reliable transportation - whatever that means to you. I know people who don't drive for several reasons and get around via Uber, or bus, or carpooling.
Depending on where your PI will be based, PI housing may not be the best fit (it is a 25 minute drive to the Celebration offices, and about as long to Team Disney). Public transportation in the area isn't all that reliable, and ubering adds up, especially if you have regular office hours and travel during peak pricing.

The biggest plus to PI housing is that its furnished, you don't have to worry about a lease, and you'll be around other interns so the opportunity for carpooling is higher, but you can likely find a lease to join for much less a month that may be closer to your work location.
I would check out CM roommate finder groups on facebook (there is a large, general group, but you can also usually find a PI specific group for that term) and see whats available at what price points that would work for you
 
I thought you could not change roles during your CP?? It sounds like he would be transitioning from the CP into a pt/ft role. Would that be considered self-terming?
....I'm not sure, but if it is, I don't think he realizes it. I sure hope his leader isn't steering him the wrong way....or filling his head with nonsense.
 
....I'm not sure, but if it is, I don't think he realizes it. I sure hope his leader isn't steering him the wrong way....or filling his head with nonsense.

Going from CP to pt/ft is a promotion. It will in no way negatively impact his record with the company
 

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