By Zachary Wittstruck, Guest Writer
Lutes searching for the adventure of a lifetime could get the opportunity to see their wishes granted with the Disney College Program (DCP).
Lutes, including myself, have represented Pacific Lutheran University in both the California and Florida programs on a handful of occasions. I participated from January to May of 2013, and I am so grateful to be counted among the Lutes who have called the Magic Kingdom their home.
PLU is currently represented by sophomore Lindsey Campbell, who is in the DCP in Orlando, Florida. Campbell said she is ecstatic to get the word out about this exciting opportunity. Since her arrival to the program on Feb. 3, Campbell said she has already met people studying a variety of topics from around the world through the DCP.
“I have met education, theater, biology, pre-med, computer science and social work majors, just to name a few,” Campbell said. “Disney creates happiness for people of all ages, cultures, and backgrounds.”
My own Disney experience closely relates to Campbell’s when it comes to meeting a variety of people. Today, I have friends from Australia, South Korea, England, France and several U.S. states. I owe it all to my time as a Disney intern.
During my internship, I took part in two advertising courses, several volunteer opportunities and I took advantage of nearly every social outing Disney provided. The extra effort in my job location gave me perhaps one of the most rewarding relationships I made through my program.
One night at work I decided to stay an extra two hours to help a co-worker with a side project. We quickly became friends, and I eventually learned that he was an illustrator and graphic design artist for Pixar.
Since meeting him, I have been updated about the different programs Pixar is using and the marketing strategies for their new projects. This incredible connection has fueled my passion for my career choice even further.
Disney designs its internships to present its students with a variety of incredible opportunities — professional ambitions are a high priority.
As a Fortune 500 company that just added two more major labels — Marvel (2009) and Lucasfilm (2012) join its already stunning lineup that includes ABC, ESPN and Pixar — the Disney Company is a terrific place for networking.
During the program, participants meet with and study under experts in the fields of marketing, advertising, public relations and business, but they can also take advantage of a variety of other learning opportunities.
When they’re not working, interns can enter the park for free and enjoy everything it has to offer.
In the five months I was privileged to spend in Disney World, the park constantly blew me away by how much there was to see and do. Every day is an adventure, and the DCP will provide nothing short of an unforgettable experience.
Disney is accepting applications for the DCP for its fall advantage program from now until the end of March. The application contains information about college courses offered, job opportunities that are available and other details about the program can be found on the official DCP website.
PLU and Disney representatives, including myself, will be holding an information session March 3, from 5 -6 p.m. in the Anderson University Center, room 133. We welcome anybody who is interested in this remarkable chance of a lifetime.
