Internships at the Walt Disney Company gives students the opportunity to work inside one of the largest media companies, offering positions to students interested in the creative and business ends of the entertainment industry.
What is a Disney internship like?
Disney interns are given the distinctive opportunity of working at one of the world’s largest media corporations alongside leading professionals in their field.
The Disney Professional Internship program includes dozens of internships in a variety of fields from accounting to animation and in offices from Burbank, California to Singapore. Naturally, the Disney interns will have very different experiences depending on their program. But all Disney interns are provided a high level of professional development and support as well as an inside look at the operation of the entertainment industry.
The Disney College Program
In addition to professional internships, Disney runs a program called the Disney College Program (DCP). The DCP is a four- to seven-month program where students work in a service role at the Walt Disney World Resort in Bay Lake and Lake Buena Vista, Florida. DCP participants gain the opportunity to live and work at the resort, take part in career development sessions, and network with professionals in a variety of roles at The Walt Disney Company.
Where do Disney internships take place?
Disney offers professional internships in nine cities around the world:
- Burbank, California
- Celebration, Florida
- Glendale, California
- Lake Buena Vista, Florida
- London, United Kingdom
- Los Angeles, California
- New York, New York
- Orlando, Florida
- Singapore
Disney internships are open to students attending four-year colleges in all 50 states. International students are also welcome to apply to Disney professional internships, provided that they have unrestricted work authorization in the United States at the time of their application.
How can I find the right internship at Disney for me?
Disney offers internships in many fields and under several subsidiary companies. If you are interested in working in entertainment, whether on the business or creative side of the industry, Disney likely has an internship position that will interest you. The best way to find the right Disney internship for you is to see what internships are available through Disney’s internship directory in your field of work in a location that you would be interested in living and working in.
Where do I go to search and apply for different Disney internships?
Disney internships are listed on a variety of jobs boards and professional websites including LinkedIn and Indeed. However, the easiest way to browse Disney’s internship offerings is through their internship directory at disneycareers.com. Students can apply for any internships directly through this internship portal.
Is it possible to apply for more than one internship at Disney?
Yes, you can apply for any and all internships that you qualify for.
Can I apply for an internship if I have already graduated college?
Yes, but only if you recently graduated. Disney professional internships are open to currently enrolled students and people who graduated within six months of applying.
Are Disney interns paid?
Yes, Disney internships are paid positions. Pay varies depending on the field and specific internship position.
How do you land an internship at Disney?
Disney internships are premier internship opportunities, and as a result, the application process is very competitive.
In general, it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with the eligibility criteria for any internships you are interested in and to follow sound internship application strategies.
Specifically, you will want to make sure that you submit your application early and you should prepare your resume based on the application criteria (see TUN’s guide to writing a resume for some helpful tips). Not all Disney internships require a cover letter, but all applicants should take the time to write a thoughtful cover letter to add a personal touch to your application and demonstrate that you have put time and effort into your application.
If you land an interview, make sure to prepare for the interview by researching the company, the position, and the industry. It is always a good idea to prepare questions about the position and the company in advance, and also to have prepared answers to common interview questions. Also be sure to rehearse your interview with friends, family, or professionals at your college’s career center.
For more information about resume-building, read How to Write a Resume, Resume Tips to Make Your Resume Stand Out, and How to Use Resume Keywords to Land an Interview.
Which Disney teams offer internships?
Disney offers internships in the following departments:
- Creative
- Finance and Accounting
- Graphic Design
- Marketing and Digital Media
- Operations
- Production
- Research and Development
- Supply Chain Management
- Technology
How else does Disney support students?
Disney also has the following initiatives to support high school and college students.
Disney Dreamers Academy
The Disney Dreamers Academy is a four-day career development event for high school students. Each year, 100 students between 13 and 19 years of age are selected to participate in the event, where students have the opportunity to stay at Walt Disney World Resorts and participate in career workshops and professional skill development programs. Disney Dreamers are also given complimentary airfare, hotel accommodations, and theme park tickets for themselves and a parent or guardian for the duration of the program.
Disney UNCF Scholarship
The Walt Disney Company offers a $2,500 one-time scholarship to African American juniors enrolled at four-year historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) who are pursuing a career in the entertainment industry.
For more internship opportunities, use TUN’s Job Search Engine.