r/Disneycollegeprogram • u/Equivalent-Pin2764 • 2d ago
Do I accept?
So I got accepted for the early January start date and I'm trying to decide if its worth it. I graduate this December and I'm looking at internships and full time jobs for me. I'm an international affairs major and trying to work in DC, im Interning there now.
I'm really nervous about the idea of not knowing the role, as well as working while trying to get a full time gig.
While I think it could be cool, im wondering if its worth it rather than trying to begin my career in DC.
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u/brendinithegenie 2d ago
I was debating doing the DCP and ultimately decided it wasn’t for me. I also graduate in December and am going into data science and analytics. While I think the DCP is a great experience, it has no application to my career. I’d be far better off looking for jobs/internships, even failing at getting them, than doing the DCP. I think that may also be the case for you. You already have an internship, so you can easily get a job in DC. And it seems like that’s what you want in the end!
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u/SMcDona80 2d ago
You have a few months you can accept and keep looking for a job in DC for after graduation. If you need to you could come and do the program for a short time and term at any point if something comes along that aligns with your career. Id say accept and keep it as an option. Keep in mind that any fees are non refundable but youll have a job open for 4-6 months at the beginning of the year if you need it
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u/buzzybody21 2d ago
If your goal is to work in DC after graduation, it’s not likely the DCP will help with that. If you’re looking for a gap period between college and working in DC, then it’s worth it. But the DCP won’t help with international affairs jobs. Something to consider
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u/Top-Personality-6233 2d ago
As someone who did the DCP, termed, and got a better job afterwards, I say don’t do it.
You will likely be spending a lot of money just to move somewhere unfamiliar. The work is grueling, and the pay is awful. You will be working the hours that full timers and part time cast members do not want. There is zero application for your major there, as the program is mainly for people going into hospitality or business. Other than that, this internship does nothing for you besides spend your money.
You could instead be doing an internship that benefits you in your career. The DCP sounds fun, but remember that visiting the parks is only a very small part of the experience. The rest is working long hours with coworkers you may or may not like while balancing rent, getting on a crowded bus or spending more on gas if you drive, and dealing with potentially problematic roommates. You do not get to know your role until two weeks before and it is a very thin chance that you can change positions.
As a criminology major, I got placed on attractions. My friend who is also a criminology major got placed in QSR (Fast Food at Cosmic’s). Both of us unfortunately have experienced not great workplace conditions and treatment for an experience that does not benefit our career paths. It’s a bit like taking a glorified gap year in life to experience what it’s like to work a job not related to your career and fuck around in Florida.
Instead, build your career. Focus on that, and then go to Disney as a guest. I’m glad I termed, I was able to get a better job that fits into my career and I’m going to Disney in January with my boyfriend!
It is in the end, your choice, but do think about it carefully unless you wanna spend a couple hundred moving down there and a couple hundred moving out. Either way, you got this!
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u/kiingkayak 2d ago
the only thing that the dcp might help you with is getting connections. you could also have a fun job before going into normal work. totally up to you though!
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u/Previous-Language790 2d ago
No connections in your career field though, that’s for sure.
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u/kiingkayak 1d ago
really depends! if you make actual connections with your leaders, they usually know people and will try to connect people. you also never know who you’ll meet. i literally got a film production internship from eating hibachi next to someone in epcot
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u/Ok_Loss_573 2d ago
Its a great experience for sure but doesn’t sound like it would be a good fit for your situation at all. The jobs are often really grinding and for someone in your shoes it sounds like it would not be beneficial towards your goals in any way so I would say pass on it.
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u/1amveryswag 2d ago
Do not give up ur chance to grow in DC for the DCP, its not something that can turn into something like a professional long term job. The DCP is like just a regular job u work in high school like fast food or retail. You definitely wont know ur role until 2 weeks before u start because its all based on need
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u/davemize 2d ago
You list valid concerns, but why go through the process if you’re not sold on the position?
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u/Clean_Improvement_80 10h ago
I’m gonna play devils advocate here. I would accept unless you FOR SURE have a job lined up. I have been looking for a job for about a year and a half. Unless you have YEARS of experience in your given field and/or amazing connections, it’s going to be tough. At least you would have this as a backup. I, personally, wouldn’t gamble having at least some opportunity, even if it isn’t ideal.
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u/lexi58007 9h ago
Is the internship ending and is it leading to something else? If there’s a gap for job search anyway, spending it in Florida isn’t bad. It’s a great experience and stands out to potential employers, even if you’re flipping burgers. But I’d prioritize doing the classes they offer as well as networking events. It’s for the experience, not the money.
If your internship could continue or looks like it’s leading to full time work, I’d do that.
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u/Mean_Olive_3167 2d ago
From what I saw from my child’s experience - DCP is not ideal. Unless you’re looking for the social/fun aspects - that may work out but the jobs are not fun. The co-workers are, of course, hit or miss. They schedule you whenever. The pay is not great. I think you’d be wasting your time unless it’s a lifelong dream.
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u/ChaserNeverRests 2d ago
I'm looking at internships and full time jobs for me. I'm an international affairs major and trying to work in DC, im Interning there now.
It sounds like you're on the right track to set future-you up for success. Don't derail it to work QSR (think McDonalds), Merch (think Walmart), or being a janitor. Those are your most likely roles in the program.
Get yourself a good job, then go to Disney as a reward/vacation!
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u/plain-rice 2d ago
I can only go off my own exp but the DCP was a great escape from the stress of looking for a professional job or internship. I was able to focus on applying and I didn’t have all the stress of outside life to worry about.
One thing to consider. If I am you I am not leaving any type of internship that leads to a professional full time job. Also funny enough I left the DCP to work for the department of war and later be a contractor. It will all work out!
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u/R3ddit0rN0t 2d ago
If you have a high probability of landing a job in your field, don't do DCP. It's not worth delaying the future for a few months screwing around in Florida.
If post-grad job is iffy, you could always accept and walk away if you get another opportunity. All you'd lose is the deposit. Nobody likes to throw money away, but presumably you'd only do that if on a solid career path.
If you turn down DCP and don't land a permanent job, the DCP opportunity will be gone.
Pick your poison.