From Lectures at 9am to Project Meetings at the Walt Disney office- YOU CAN DO IT TOO!

This is a guest post from Royal Holloway Year in Business student, Kendaa Cameron-Chavannes who has just secured a placement at The Walt Disney Company. It is packed full of advice for other students applying for placements at The Walt Disney Company (or other companies) .

Hey Guys!

My name is Kendaa Cameron-Chavannes, and I am an incoming Owned Media (Marketing) intern for the Walt Disney Company- beginning June 2024. Disney is renowned for its iconic animations, films, fairy-tale like theme parks and inclusivity in everything they produce from personnel, content and ideas.

Here are my top tips on steps you can take to secure a placement at a company that is both right for you and your dream organisation.

 

Before we begin, I will share a brief overview on my recruitment process. Bear in mind that depending on your chosen department/sector, the application process may vary slightly.

 

RECRUITMENT PROCESS: DISNEY

 

Based on the above overview and my personal process, here are the following steps you can take:

 

1.   CV , CV , CV

 

Before you begin the application process, it is VITAL that your CV reflects you, your unique qualities and abilities in the clearest way possible. The structure of a CV can be the difference between moving onto the next stage or being cut out of the process completely.

You want to ensure you’ve given yourself the best chance for the role against thousands of applicants.

 

Ensure that your CV has:

   A clear, plain structure (name in bold at top of page, email & LinkedIn presented clearly, dates aligned and a distinction between each section – e.g.: Education, Professional Experience and Skills).

 

-          3/4 relevant modules you have or will study under your university & degree (e.g., “Relevant modules include: Marketing Strategy in Context, International Business, Operations Management and Foundations of Digital Enterprise”).

-          Your GSCE & A level grades (in format: “9 GCSE’s 8-4, 5 in Mathematics, 7 in English Literature”).

-          Skills that align with the role (e.g., organisation, leadership, multi-tasking, project management etc).

-          Action words (e.g., “Utilised my, Obtained a, Assisted in” etc).

-          Any experience that you’re proud of- yes anything (team captain of a sport, volunteer work, your part-time/full-time jobs, an interesting group project in a relevant module etc)

-          The extent of your proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint

 

2.   COVER LETTER

 Most organisations will ask you to submit a cover letter along with your CV and application. The worst thing you can do is use AI for this step as companies will know if it is AI generated and it shows them that you’re not interested in the company/ have not done your research.

  would recommend listing 3 reasons why you want to work for the company (drawing to their values/ethos) and base it off that.

 

Your cover letter should read:

 Why the Company? (draw on an initiative/project they fore fronted e.g., sustainability, diversity etc)

-          Why the Role? (Read the job description carefully and implement key words/phrases)

-          Why Me? (include experience(s) that demonstrate why you’re the right and best choice).

**As a bonus tip, I would recommend putting your LinkedIn (personalised link) in the header of your cover letter**

 

3.   BE PROACTIVE

 

The application process is tiring, and you’ll be applying to many companies along the way. Whether you’re applying to differing sectors or just one, make sure that you give yourself that edge. This can be by:

 

-          Completing simulations ( “Forage” has some fantastic FREE on-line facilities for a range of roles/sectors and you receive a certificate once completed).

 

-          Applying to insight days, spring weeks or taster programmes (you can find these on websites such as : TargetJobs, RateMyPlacement, LinkedIn, Company Websites , RHUL Careers Portal.)

 

-          Anything that will provide you with more insight/experience in whatever capacity.

 

4.   MANAGE YOUR TIME

A lot of the time, companies send emails, required tasks and interview dates/times that may clash with academic responsibilities (e.g. lectures/workshops) or have a tight deadline. You MUST ensure that you check your emails (including spam) regularly, because you do not want to miss any important information or events. 

 

Utilise your calendar app and input any relevant/upcoming dates or tasks (with alerts) so that you do not become overwhelmed, and it is easier for you to organise yourself and time.

5.   PRACTISE PRACTISE PRACTISE

Take full advantage of all the resources available (especially on Moodle, the RHUL Careers Portal and online). Practising for the numerical, verbal reasoning and interview questions is essential, and will make your application process  smooth.

 

6.   ASSESSMENT CENTRE DAY

Getting to the last stage of the process can be equally nerve-wrecking as exciting, but don’t worry I got you covered!

 

- INDIVIDUAL PRESENTATION:

Depending upon the company, you might have to create a presentation based on the role you’re applying for. This is a great opportunity for you to show them everything you learnt about the relevant industry (To differentiate yourself from other candidates, highlight important facts/figures, introduce animations or transitions where applicable.)

 

- GROUP TASK:

 Be a team player! I cannot emphasise this enough. Be confident, listen and consider everyone’s opinions, but at the same time don’t be afraid to voice your own opinions too. If you’re particularly anxious on the day, I would recommend being the “Time-Keeper” as it is still a crucial role.

 

- INDIVIDUAL INTERVIEW:

- This is the perfect chance to show off everything you’ve learnt and gained. Ensure you reflect upon your self-growth and show them that you are always willing to learn and grow. Most importantly, ensure you have at least 3 questions to ask the interviewer before the interview concludes.

 

An assessment centre is the perfect opportunity for you to STAND OUT. Just be CONFIDENT, AUTHENTIC and FRIENDLY.

 

I have been in your shoes and 100% understand the anxiety, self-doubt and exhaustion you may feel over the duration of the process. That’s why I’m here!

 

Feel free to contact me via LinkedIn at any time for advice or a CV review:

 

www.linkedin.com/in/kendaa-cameron-chavannes-608a24251