–by Ali Carlson, Kirkwood News Service
What student participants have called “an adventure of a lifetime” is available through Kirkwood Community College. With the chance to travel and work for the Disney College Program within a fun and exciting environment, students not only gain friendships but gain experience that builds their individual resumé.
As a part of the program at Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando, Fla. students will be able to take part in working within many different parts of Walt Disney World in a paid internship. Park and attraction opportunities could include restaurant positions, admissions, retail, management and many other areas.
Bob Walker, Kirkwood management degree coordinator stated, “This is such a great opportunity to get to meet new people while participating in a paid internship that will help build your resume.”
Student participants have the chance to work with world-renowned leaders and gain useful, transferable skills while also given the opportunity to meet new people from around the world. While working in frontline roles, participants will work in a “real-world” experience. Kirkwood has been associated with working to provide students with an opportunity for the last five years. “Within the last five years that we have been a part of the Disney Internship program we have sent about 75 individuals,” Walker said.
Interns for the Disney College Program will also custom design a learning curriculum that best meets their needs and interests, complete education courses and specialized learning activities. Each program offers its own opportunity to start exploring what you can do in the future.
“I had a blast and wanted to continue to live in Florida after it was over. It is an excellent opportunity for all students no matter what major they are in,” stated Jillian Wall, former student intern for the Disney College Program. Jillian is now back at Kirkwood where she is working on completing her nursing assisting major and also the official Disney College Program Representative for Kirkwood after having worked at Epcot Center in 2004.
While gaining experience, students are able to earn nine credit hours of internship through Kirkwood. Kirkwood is the only community college in Iowa where Disney recruits and is the Iowa school with four schedules information sessions. “That speaks well of the quality of our students. We’re proud of that,” Walker added. Students are able to apply for professional internships after having completed the initial college program with Disney. Wall stated, “The people down there want to help you get where you want to be.”
If interested in becoming part of Disney Internship Program, representatives will be able to talk about the opportunity Oct. 8 at 1 and 4 p.m. and Oct. 9 at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. in the Marland Room of Iowa Hall. Students interested in learning more about the opportunity but are not able to come to one of the presentations are encouraged to sign up online at www.disneycollegeprogram.com to receive more information.