Whew! So, my interview is over. It was actually over last night, but I guess I'm just not a true blogger because I decided to wait until this morning to write about it.
I was super nervous all day yesterday, but, after a call from my friend who went with the presentation with me, and a little time spent with my wonderful, reassuring boyfriend, I was feeling somewhat more relaxed. My friend's interview was at 3:00, just a couple of hours before mine. It sounded like hers went pretty well, so it made me feel more confident knowing that she had successfully been there, done that.
So at 5:21 (Running late? Shame on you Disney. That's one point on your record.) my phone rang. The interview started out with some yes or no questions ("Have you ever been arrested?" "Can you prove that you can legally work in the U.S.?") and that part went pretty well. Actually, there was one small exception, but I'll get to that in a minute.
Next, we moved on to the part where I really got to talk. She asked me why I wanted to do the Disney College Program, which I was totally prepared for. She then asked me questions about which roles I would like to do, and I gave PhotoPass Photographer, Attractions, and Merchandise as my first three choices. She asked me a specific question about each role. For PhotoPass, she asked how I would sell more pictures and packages to guests, and if I would be okay with carrying around 10 pounds of camera equipment outside all day. For Attractions, she asked me what I would do if a child wanted to ride Space Mountain but was too short. And for Merchandise, she asked how I would handle it if a guest wanted a product that we didn't carry. All of these were fairly easy to answer, as I was already sort of expecting these kinds of questions.
Then she asked me about my best work experience and my worst. That was a little more difficult. My best work experience is my current job--it's challenging, fun, and the sort of work that not many college students get to do. My worst work experience...well, it was kind of hard to talk about my worst work experience without sounding like I was bashing on my past employers, or was a hopelessly negative person. But I managed an answer and put a positive spin on it at the end, saying that my experience at the earlier job allowed me to work at the great place I'm at now.
All in all, I felt like the interview went pretty well...except for one part. She asked me if I would be willing to do Quick Service Food and Beverage. Now, on my role checklist, I didn't check this box. I didn't feel like I wanted to spend my time in Florida flipping burgers. But last night (before my interview, I must admit) I decided that, if asked, I would say that working QSFB wouldn't be my first choice, but that I would do it if that was the only way I could get in the program. Well, now I'm regretting that choice. I'm worried that my "maybe" answer was recorded as "yes", and that now I've cheated myself out of a job that I might have loved in exchange for a job in QSFB.
I'm trying to decide now if I should call my recruiter, talk to her about it, and maybe change my answer. But I'm a little afraid that this would make me look wishy-washy and might reflect poorly on me when they're making their decision (probably not a real concern--just me being overly anxious). I'm also worried that if I give QSFB a definite "no", then I might not get in. Agreeing to do QSFB is basically a guaranteed spot in the program, because they're so desperate for people for that position. But if I do get this role, I'll always wonder if I could have gotten a role I would have really loved.
Gah! I hate indecision!
Another part of me is saying just to leave it alone, and see what comes. I believe that God has his hand in everything, knows the desires of my heart, and that, if I get QSFB, something great could still come of it. But I just don't know what to do!
Whatever I do, I've got the weekend to think and pray about it, as they're only open Monday-Friday. So, readers! What do you think I should do? Any comments or suggestions would be greatly appreciated...anyone?...anybody got any thoughts?...helloooo?
Showing posts with label Interview. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Interview. Show all posts
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Campus Presentation: or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Mouse
Today was the first of three big days in my application process: the on-campus presentation. My good friend, who I think I've almost conned into doing the program with me, kept me company while we watched cheesy videos, tried to answer trivia questions, and showed off our best Disney smiles in hopes of getting a star next to our names denoting that we'd be good candidates for the program.
I don't know if the recruiter has any say in the selection process, but I wasn't taking any chances. From the moment I walked in the door I was friendly, smiley, energetic, and everything that Disney looks for in their employees. I was careful not to come across as over-eager or fake, but I also tried to show how interested I was. Even if this doesn't have any impact on the final decision, it's good practice at least for the days ahead if I'm accepted--my cheeks need to be conditioned for 'round the clock smiling! :)
The presentation started at 5, with cookies shaped like Mickey Mouse. Although they were a little stale, the magic ingredient (which happens to be magic!) made them amazing. Ok, not really. I'm not THAT brainwashed. They were just stale cookies with tons of frosting on them. But cute nonetheless.
Our recruiter, Anne, then stood up and began the presentation. She started off with a broad overview of the Disney parks, distinguishing between Disneyland and Walt Disney World, etc., and then moved on to a few trivia questions. She had the cutest Mickey Mouse pens for prizes, and, even though I knew (almost) all of the answers, I wasn't quick enough on the draw, and was only called on for the one question that nobody knew: "How many cast members does WDW employ?". I didn't know, but I had a ballpark idea. So I guessed 50,000. The answer was 60,000. So close!
Next she showed a few videos, featuring a couple of hosts who must have had two or three Red Bulls a piece before recording their parts. Seriously--these two were so happy and peppy, it was actually making me a little exhausted just watching them. But that's kind of what you expect from Disney, I guess.The videos covered the Living, Learning, and Earning portions of the program, which, since I've been doing research for a couple of months now, was nothing new to me. But it was still fun to watch.
Anne then introduced our campus reps, who are students from area schools who have been through the program in the past. They gave us all a sheet with information about applying to the program (which I've already done--look at me being all prepared!) and setting up an interview, and with contact numbers for Anne and the campus reps.My friend and I then went out for dinner at Chipotle (OMG! Yum!) and I called to set up my interview. It's on Friday the 13th (A bad omen? *sinister music*) at 5:20. A minor embarrassing moment when the lady asked what time zone I was in, and I said I was pretty sure central, but asked her to confirm what time it would be in the central time zone, just to be sure. I promise I know what time zone I live in! But I'm just so anxious about the whole thing; I wanted to double check myself.
So, as I told someone yesterday, I expected for this presentation to be slightly boring for me. I mean, I'm obviously excited, but it was basically all review. And, like I anticipated, I didn't learn anything new. But I got even more excited than I was at 4:59 today, if that's possible. Basically, every day the program gets closer, I get more keyed up (and more nervous, but more on that later!). If this trend continues, I think I'll burst before August! And, as you can see by the following incredibly scientific graph, that's a very real possibility.
I don't know if the recruiter has any say in the selection process, but I wasn't taking any chances. From the moment I walked in the door I was friendly, smiley, energetic, and everything that Disney looks for in their employees. I was careful not to come across as over-eager or fake, but I also tried to show how interested I was. Even if this doesn't have any impact on the final decision, it's good practice at least for the days ahead if I'm accepted--my cheeks need to be conditioned for 'round the clock smiling! :)
The presentation started at 5, with cookies shaped like Mickey Mouse. Although they were a little stale, the magic ingredient (which happens to be magic!) made them amazing. Ok, not really. I'm not THAT brainwashed. They were just stale cookies with tons of frosting on them. But cute nonetheless.
Our recruiter, Anne, then stood up and began the presentation. She started off with a broad overview of the Disney parks, distinguishing between Disneyland and Walt Disney World, etc., and then moved on to a few trivia questions. She had the cutest Mickey Mouse pens for prizes, and, even though I knew (almost) all of the answers, I wasn't quick enough on the draw, and was only called on for the one question that nobody knew: "How many cast members does WDW employ?". I didn't know, but I had a ballpark idea. So I guessed 50,000. The answer was 60,000. So close!
Next she showed a few videos, featuring a couple of hosts who must have had two or three Red Bulls a piece before recording their parts. Seriously--these two were so happy and peppy, it was actually making me a little exhausted just watching them. But that's kind of what you expect from Disney, I guess.The videos covered the Living, Learning, and Earning portions of the program, which, since I've been doing research for a couple of months now, was nothing new to me. But it was still fun to watch.
Anne then introduced our campus reps, who are students from area schools who have been through the program in the past. They gave us all a sheet with information about applying to the program (which I've already done--look at me being all prepared!) and setting up an interview, and with contact numbers for Anne and the campus reps.My friend and I then went out for dinner at Chipotle (OMG! Yum!) and I called to set up my interview. It's on Friday the 13th (A bad omen? *sinister music*) at 5:20. A minor embarrassing moment when the lady asked what time zone I was in, and I said I was pretty sure central, but asked her to confirm what time it would be in the central time zone, just to be sure. I promise I know what time zone I live in! But I'm just so anxious about the whole thing; I wanted to double check myself.
So, as I told someone yesterday, I expected for this presentation to be slightly boring for me. I mean, I'm obviously excited, but it was basically all review. And, like I anticipated, I didn't learn anything new. But I got even more excited than I was at 4:59 today, if that's possible. Basically, every day the program gets closer, I get more keyed up (and more nervous, but more on that later!). If this trend continues, I think I'll burst before August! And, as you can see by the following incredibly scientific graph, that's a very real possibility.
Friday, March 6, 2009
No Escaping Disney...Even for Astrophysicists
After months of thinking, planning, and driving everyone I know crazy talking about the WDWCP, the presentation and interview are finally just around the corner. I received an email this morning from Disney, reminding me about the presentations coming to campus, and there were brochures laying on the counter at Domino's when I got my lunch today in the student union. Disney's everywhere!
So here's the deal: Next Wednesday and Thursday, a recruiter will be doing their presentation on campus (I plan to attend the Wednesday session). At the presentation, I will sign up for an interview time, which usually takes place a couple of days after the presentation and is, unfortunately, conducted over the phone. So I'll probably try to schedule my interview for Friday, after my classes. Then, if all goes according to plan, I should be getting that acceptance letter just a couple of short weeks later!
Then the waiting game will really begin. :)
To keep you, my imaginary, loyal readers occupied while you're biting your nails with anticipation for my next entry, here's a funny news story. See, this is why I love Disney--even astrophysicists and their crazy planet classification systems aren't immune to the company's affect on our culture.
Astrophysicist: Love of Pluto the dog led to fury over planet’s demotion
Quote from the article: In his new book, “The Pluto Files,” [Neil deGrasse] Tyson asserts that Americans’ love for Walt Disney’s Pluto the dog caused the public outrage that greeted the planet’s demotion in classification to a dwarf planet.
Another quote (And the best part of the article): In response to the outcry at the planet’s demotion, the Disney company issued a press release:
Although we think it’s DOPEY that Pluto has been downgraded to a dwarf planet, which has made some people GRUMPY and others just SLEEPY, we are not BASHFUL in saying we would be HAPPY if Disney’s Pluto would join us as the 8th dwarf. We think it’s just what the DOC ordered and it’s nothing to SNEEZE at.
You gotta love Disney. :)
So here's the deal: Next Wednesday and Thursday, a recruiter will be doing their presentation on campus (I plan to attend the Wednesday session). At the presentation, I will sign up for an interview time, which usually takes place a couple of days after the presentation and is, unfortunately, conducted over the phone. So I'll probably try to schedule my interview for Friday, after my classes. Then, if all goes according to plan, I should be getting that acceptance letter just a couple of short weeks later!
Then the waiting game will really begin. :)
To keep you, my imaginary, loyal readers occupied while you're biting your nails with anticipation for my next entry, here's a funny news story. See, this is why I love Disney--even astrophysicists and their crazy planet classification systems aren't immune to the company's affect on our culture.
Astrophysicist: Love of Pluto the dog led to fury over planet’s demotion
Quote from the article: In his new book, “The Pluto Files,” [Neil deGrasse] Tyson asserts that Americans’ love for Walt Disney’s Pluto the dog caused the public outrage that greeted the planet’s demotion in classification to a dwarf planet.
Another quote (And the best part of the article): In response to the outcry at the planet’s demotion, the Disney company issued a press release:
Although we think it’s DOPEY that Pluto has been downgraded to a dwarf planet, which has made some people GRUMPY and others just SLEEPY, we are not BASHFUL in saying we would be HAPPY if Disney’s Pluto would join us as the 8th dwarf. We think it’s just what the DOC ordered and it’s nothing to SNEEZE at.
You gotta love Disney. :)
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