Keep in mind that my situation is a little different than most other people in the program. I'm 23. I'm graduating from college in a few short weeks. As exciting as the idea of the DCP is, it is not the most conventional first post-grad job. I think what threw me was that prior to my acceptance (which I didn't fully expect to get because of my phone interview--more on that in another post) I was researching various entry-level jobs and professional internships in PR firms, ad agencies, and publishing houses. My life was supposedly heading in a drastically different (albeit, much less magical) direction. I applied to the program on a lark, and didn't realize quite how much I wanted it until after my phone interview (again more on that later). When I finally got my acceptance email, I didn't hesitate. I joyously accepted my offer (Bell Services Dispatch for WDW Spring Advantage 2014), paid the $300 housing deposit, and began looking up flights. Mostly everyone was thrilled for me. One of my friends even got me a cake to celebrate. And I was happy. For about 2 weeks.
I don't know why it took 2 weeks for the shock and excitement to wear off, but I think it was because I had had to explain the program to so many people. As well-known as the DCP is in college circles, most people don't know much about it.
To be clear, I fancy myself a realist, and I completely understand that Disney uses the College Program as a source of cheap, flexible labor. I get that, and think, from a business stance, it is a brilliant strategy. I've never had any illusions about the glamourousness or lack thereof of the roles offered to CPs. I knew when I applied that whatever role I'd be offered would likely be some form of grunt work, and that I'd be making very little money for someone with a college degree. Explaining this/having this pointed out to em on numerous occasions is why I think the fog of doubt started creeping in.
My advice to anyone who is on the fence about whether or not to apply or to accept their offer is: DO YOUR RESEARCH! Think about what you want to get out of the program. Think about the circumstances of the program and be honest with yourself about whether or not you are ok with taking the less than traditional route.
I thought long and hard about this, and the conclusion I came to for myself is:
So what if working at a hotel in the Walt Disney World Resort is not the most conventional job after graduation? Sure, at its core the DCP is a cheap labor pool for Disney, but I think that the program does make sincere efforts to give us something back. As with anything, the experience of something depends on what you make of it. I fully intend to use my program as an opportunity to really network and meet Disney professionals. I am getting the opportunity to learn the business from one of the top companies in the world. I am going to get to meet and learn from so many people, that even if I don't bring in the Benjamins, I will still have gained something of value.
And it's not as though there is not a career trajectory on this route. Disney offers some Professional Internships exclusively for DCP alumni. There's no guarantee that I'd get one of course, but there's no guarantee of that in any type of job search.
Also, if the Facebook group(s) have been any indication, the people I will be " Living, Learning, and Earning" with have a tremendous amount of energy. Everyone who has accepted their offer has done so because they want to be there for one reason or another. I can't wait to get to know my fellow CPs over the course of next year.
Finally, it's been a long five years of college. Five years of going to class + homework/group projects/exams + working + maintaining some semblance of a social life= a very tired Stephanie. I think it'll be nice to be inside the Disney bubble for awhile :)
So, to sum up: Doubts are a very real thing to consider, and everyone needs to do what's right for them. For me, right now, Disney > Reality.
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