Remember visiting, "the happiest place on earth" as a child? Ever wondered what it would be like to work behind the scenes for one of the largest and most unique top Fortune 100 companies in the world?

Walt Disney World offers a one-of-a-kind combination of education and work experience through their college internship program.

In the program, students will learn transferable skills in relationship building, problem solving, written and verbal communication skills, and networking.

They will also enjoy the many privileges associated with being a cast member, such as free park admission, discounts on resorts, merchandise and the use of the cast exclusive, 19-acre recreation facility, Mickey's retreat.

To meet the internship requirements, students must be currently enrolled in a college or university and have completed at least one semester while maintaining good academic standing with a 2.0 GPA or higher.

Once the initial requirements are met, students must fill out an application, which can be found online at www.wdw.collegeprogram.com, and attend a required presentation and interview.

The next interview and presentation program in this area will be held at Houston Community College, April 2, at 4 p.m., in the San Jacinto Room 151.

"The college program exposes you to all different areas of guest relations; it is an awesome opportunity to meet new people and learn about different careers, but you have to remember that you're there to do a job," said Mordecai Brownlee, a recent member of the Walt Disney college program.

The program is not limited to any majors and offers a wide variety of positions. Some include costuming, guest assistance assistant, entertainment, hospitality operations, lifeguard, housekeeping, merchandise, attractions, recreations, transportation and vacation planning.

The college program is offered in either four- or eight-month durations. Walt Disney offers this internship program as a paid experience, students start out making $6 an hour. However, more financial support may be necessary in order to continue successfully. The students contribute to the cost of rent, amenities and cost for meals. Housing is paid for through a weekly payroll deduction, and the Walt Disney World Co. assists students with further subsidizing the cost.

"Now that the program is over, I am glad that I participated," said Cheryle Lerch UH-Clear Lake campus representative. "Not only did I gain life and independent skills, but I also gained skills that can be transferred to any career path that I choose in the future."

UH-Clear Lake offers three college credits for the internship through a co-op program in the individual colleges.

The curriculum includes organizational leadership, human resource management, hospitality management and communication.

Students live in company-sponsored, 24-hour gated apartment communities on a unique campus, while working in one of four theme parks, more than 20 resorts, three water parks or dining/entertainment complexes.

Some of the amenities available to students include: contemporary, fully furnished apartments; paid utilities; cable connections; local telephone service; houseware and maintenance.

Each apartment community also offers a mix of communitywide amenities such as laundry facilities, swimming pools, a clubhouse, computer labs and a fitness center.

Limited transportation is available to and from work, but a personal vehicle is recommended.

For more information on the program, contact Cheryle Lerch at cheryle77@houston.rr.com.

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