What is the difference between the Professional Internship and the College Program?
The CP is focused on front line work in the parks and resorts. The PI is focused on support, backstage roles.
There are approx. 5,000 CPs, there are only a couple hundred PIs.
CPs apply to a program and are placed in a role. PIs apply to each role individually and hope for an interview for those roles they are interested in.
CPs are looking for energetic students. PIs are looking for energetic students that have experience/education in their specific field/area.
CPs are hourly cast members, typically making less that $10 an hour. PIs can be office and technical (another form of hourly) or salaried, making between $9-18 an hour.
CPs live in provided housing and have transportation. PIs are required to supply their own transportation and only a small percentage live in Disney housing (based on limited availability).
CPs have 4 different programs to choose from. PIs typically fall into the fall (June-Jan, apply in Feb) or spring (Jan-June, apply in Sept).
Both roles have equal opportunity for FT after completion.