Linkedin Alumni Feedback

On a Linkedin College Program Alumni Page I asked almuni "If you could go back, what advice would you give yourself?" Here are my first three reponses:

"The program was one of the best experiences that I have had. My internship required me to participate and seek out aspects of the business that were not part of my day to day job. For example, I worked in a shop but was able to spend time with the visual department for the park. Seeing these other aspects helped me understand the business from a bigger scope. I would also ask to work in other areas of the park for the added experience. One a fun note, take a camera, spend your free time enjoying your new friends and the parks!"

"I cannot stress enough the importance of taking at least one of the free classes offered to College Program participants. I was part of the pilot program for the Leadership Exploration Series. Through this class, I had the opportunity to meet the "Who's Who" running Disney. Several offered to write recommendation letters for me. The experience is invaluable. The classes are short and typically once a week. Take advantage of them! One thing that I would advise doing that I had neglected to do is to keep up your seasonal status. At the end of your program, you will be labeled seasonal in the system. You will be able to call and schedule to work seasonally. When this runs out, you'll no longer be in the system. If you should want to go back, you'll have to reapply all over again (or in my case, re-audition for Entertainment). Don't make the same mistake I did! I certainly regret not keeping up with my seasonal status. Good luck and have fun!"

"Surprisingly Amanda, the same advice I knew and gave myself back then which is what I also heard from CP Alumni - make the most of all that the experience has to offer! Don't limit yourself to just the work (earning), education (learning), or housing (living) components. If you're passionate about the Company and want to pursue a career with Disney, network. Learn best practices from Leaders and your future peers. Find a mentor who will take the time to develop you & give you honest feedback. Get involved in what we call the "Disney Difference" offerings - volunteer in the Central FL community, join a diversity or Cast Activities group, etc. Definitely make time for fun & friendships (I still have fond memories and close friends eight years later), but take advantage of all the opportunities the internship programs have to offer. I promise you won't regret it. "

Recent Updates & Part of My Disney Wish List

So, on Monday I posted a tread about "Documenting your Disney Memories" and I found a lot of scrapbookers in the CP. I was overwhelmingly excited with the many exciting responses and we now have around 80 people in the group. :) This morning, I posted on the Making Memories dicussion topics, "What was your first Disney memory?" The memory can be anything Disney related it doesnt have to take place at the parks. Im going to do something special with your responses so stay tuned! And take a look, all of the responses so far are just adorable! Also, after Easter, the group will have the opportunity to order special College Program Pre-arrival pages kits. They'll make the perfect introductory pages of your Disney CP scrapbook and will give us all something to focus our Disney engery on while we wait for our arrival dates. I will also be posting several special how-to scrapbooking blogs for beginner with step by step instructions for completing your those scrapbook pages. So even if you've never scrapbooked before feel free to check it out, I really love this project:

http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=106947329332646&ref=ts


I really want to thank everyone for being so wonderful, (even though I dont actually know any of you in person) you all are such genuine people. Its making me even more excited about starting this program than I ever thought possible. I already feel like Fall 2010 is one big community family, and I just can't wait to meet all of you :)

Some other things I look forward to doing on the program are:

• Sitting under the stars
• Laying out by the pool
• Making great friends
• Swimming with dolphins
• Sky Diving
• Drinking my way around the world the day I turn 21
• Hot Air Ballon Rides
• Learning some spanish
• And my one out of the park crazy Disney wish is to spend a night in Cinderella's Castle. That'd pretty much be the highlight of life.

Man, why is March always so crazy?

This semester is flying by. This week I get to present my research on Arts and Culture during the Undergraduate Symposium. I've been working on it day and night the past few weeks. I actually made a huge countdown list for my wall, here it goes:

2 Weeks until Easter
4 Weeks until the end of the semester
8 Weeks until Europe
(Disney is just 4 weeks after I get back!)

I am so excited for the Disney College Program, I booked my plane ticket within the hour I found out about my acceptance. I leave on August 9th, and I'll be working in Attractions. I put in a request for The Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular Show in Hollywood studios. Next to Lights, Motors Actions it's my favorite show. I feel like if I worked Lights, Motors, Action I would probably kill myself trying to replicate their stunts. But no matter what I'm assigned to I'm sure I'll love it.

I am also applying for a Winter Disney Professional Internship. So after I finish my Fall program August-January, I would be promoted to new role (Disney calls all of its employee's "cast members", and each job is considered to be a "role")hopefully in Event Planning or Theatre (Jan-June). By next spring I will also have enough credits to graduate so I will be ready for a full time job. My ultimate goal is to plan special events at Disney, so VIP receptions, fundraisers or weddings. Or to work any role at the new resort opening Fall 2011 in Hawaii ;)

Lol, my brain really does operate completely through time lines. But if I don't have something to look forward to or work towards it's hard for me to stay on track with things that are happening in the present and I get really anxious. And I'm a pretty busy girl so it's really important for me. I've been working 2 jobs all year plus some babysitting on weekends. College is expensive. Once I'm not paying rent I'll have a change to actually save something. I've also become a representative for Mark products. The link to my online boutique is below, there's even a coupon for free shipping, check it out!

http://abeck.mymarkstore.com

And for my CP friends, I need you advice! I really want to get a scooter, do you think this would be a good means of transportantion in FL?



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