Work at Disneyland or Walt Disney World while receiving pay and earning college credits? Who ever heard of such a thing?

Through Mesa Community College, a designated Distinguished Disney College Program Institution, students can apply for the paid internship, which includes the earning of college credits. In fact, this year, MCC is proud to offer its 350th student internship with the Disney program. 

Each year, Disney recruiters visit the MCC Dobson campus to discuss the opportunities available at the Walt Disney World Resort and the Disneyland Resort and provide information on how to apply for these internship opportunities. Students participating in the program receive pay during the internship and at the same time earn college credits. Any MCC student may apply. 

Students who have participated in the internship program, established in 2001, say that they gained valuable, on-the-job experience while working in the Disney parks and resorts. In addition, they were able to participate in college coursework offered on location and live with people from all over the world. The interns reside in Disney-sponsored housing located near the Disneyland Resort in California and on the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.

“Students attending the Disney College Program sponsored by MCC come from more than 40 majors, from accounting to animation, and from computer information systems and medicine to music,” Linda Collins, chair of the MCC Department of Business and Information Systems, said. “This internship provides a quality learning experience for students pursuing a variety of careers.”

Students can elect to take credit course work at either Disney College Program location and earn up to 12 credits through Mesa Community College during their internship. In addition, Collins said that the five- to seven-month program teaches more than just book learning. “It encourages interns to network with leaders, take part in personal and career development classes and build transferable skills in problem-solving, teamwork, guest services and effective communication.”

“I would encourage any student interested in this fantastic opportunity to apply now for Fall 2018,” Collins said. “Students who have participated in the program tell us it is a life-changing experience.”

Mesa Community College has been sponsoring students for participation in the Disney College Program for more than 10 years.