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Becoming a Disney Imagineer might seem like a dream come true if you’re a long-time Disney fan. Thankfully, this career isn’t limited to just architecture or engineering—the Imagineering team employs all sorts of creative professionals, from artists to writers to IT experts and construction managers. The road to an Imagineering career definitely isn’t easy, but it’s not impossible, either! Check out some of the answers to some frequently asked questions, and see if this job is the career for you.
Steps
What kind of education do you need to be an Imagineer?
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1You need a Bachelor's and possibly a Master’s degree. Disney Imagineering involves a lot of skill-based careers, ranging from architecture and concept art to engineering and IT work. Look at the specific job posting to see what kind of experiences the Imagineering team is looking for—it might depend on the job.[6]
- You can find open positions here: https://jobs.disneycareers.com.
- For instance, a project design manager would need a Bachelor of Architecture as well as a Master’s.
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2Choose a degree that caters to a specific Imagineering field. If you’re applying for college or still undecided in your major, look for a program that will help you get the skill set you need to be an Imagineer. Pick a degree program that really appeals to your personal interests and talents—this way, you’ll have a solid educational foundation for the future.[7]
- For instance, if you love architecture, you might look for colleges with a good architecture program.
- If you’re a fan of making costumes, you might go to a specialty school for design.
Do you need anything else to land a job?
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1You’ll need to make a portfolio. The Disney Imagineering team wants to get a taste of your talents and accomplishments. Collect some samples of your recent work and organize them on a website or digital file, which you can attach when you apply for the job. These don’t need to be Disney-related projects—focus on past projects or works that really showcase what you’re capable of.[10]
- Portfolios aren’t exclusive to art-related careers. Include photos and documents of anything you’ve worked on in the past. For instance, if you’re an engineer, you might include a picture of a public fountain that you built.
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2Develop a variety of talents. It’s definitely important to have a firm background in a specific field. However, Disney Imagineering is all about thinking outside the box, and the recruiters love finding people who can throw their hat into a lot of different rings. If you’re skilled in multiple areas, show that off in your resume or in a future interview![11]
- For instance, you might have a degree in engineering but be talented at professional writing as well.
- You might have a background in architecture but also love to draw.
How can I set myself apart as a candidate?
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1Apply for an internship. Disney offers a lot of different internships for up-and-coming professionals. These don’t guarantee you a spot on the Imagineering team, but they do help you learn the basics of being a Disney employee, and how to handle a bunch of different projects at once.[12]
- As an intern, you’ll be working with Imagineers, so you can get a sense of what their job is like.
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2Enter the official Imaginations competition. “Imaginations” is a Disney Imagineering-sponsored contest for up-and-coming professionals.[13] Put together a creative presentation that you think could really take Disney Imagineering to the next level—if the Imagineering team likes your idea, you might get invited to a special conference with them in California.[14]
- This contest is limited to college students and recent graduates.
- You can find more info about the contest here: https://disneyimaginations.com/enter-the-competition/project-submission.
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3Take an Imagineering prep class. Search online for digital classes offered by reputable learning sites. For example, the website Khan Academy, there is a course called Imagineering in a Box. In this course, it prepares you and gives you a behind the scenes of all the magic. It's highly suggested you do this course before applying. Keep your eyes peeled on the web for any new classes in the works—these are a great way to learn the ropes.[15]
Warnings
- Most Imagineers don’t work on a traditional, hourly schedule. As an Imagineer, you’ll have to dedicate lots of time and effort to your creative projects.[17]⧼thumbs_response⧽
References
- ↑ https://magazine.northeast.aaa.com/daily/travel/theme-park-vacations/mean-disney-imagineer/
- ↑ https://magazine.northeast.aaa.com/daily/travel/theme-park-vacations/mean-disney-imagineer/
- ↑ https://themeparkarchitect.com/how-to-become-a-disney-imagineer/
- ↑ https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Employer=Walt_Disney_Imagineering/Salary
- ↑ https://themeparkarchitect.com/how-to-become-a-disney-imagineer/
- ↑ https://themeparkarchitect.com/how-to-become-a-disney-imagineer/
- ↑ https://insidethemagic.net/2011/03/interview-answering-how-do-i-become-an-imagineer-with-disney-artist-don-carson/
- ↑ https://themeparkarchitect.com/how-to-become-a-disney-imagineer/
- ↑ https://insidethemagic.net/2011/03/interview-answering-how-do-i-become-an-imagineer-with-disney-artist-don-carson/
- ↑ https://themeparkarchitect.com/how-to-become-a-disney-imagineer/
- ↑ https://themeparkarchitect.com/how-to-become-a-disney-imagineer/
- ↑ https://themeparkarchitect.com/how-to-become-a-disney-imagineer/
- ↑ https://disneyimaginations.com/about-imaginations/what-is-imaginations/
- ↑ https://disneyimaginations.com/enter-the-competition/project-submission/
- ↑ https://www.insider.com/disney-offering-free-online-course-how-to-be-imagineer-2020-4
- ↑ https://themeparkarchitect.com/how-to-become-a-disney-imagineer/
- ↑ https://themeparkarchitect.com/how-to-become-a-disney-imagineer/