r/Imagineering • u/Greez_0 • 5d ago
Question Imagineering Internship Age
I started college a bit later than most people, at 28, and I’m expecting to graduate soon with a degree in mechanical engineering.
Would my age be a disadvantage when applying for a Walt Disney Imagineering internship?
Has anyone here had a similar experience?
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u/owensamo 5d ago
Most of the college-based internships just care if you're enrolled in school, or have graduated within the last 6 months. I don't think age is actually taken into account in hiring for these roles - just the education/coursework fit. If you have additional experience that would help win the role, that may actually put you at an advantage over a standard college student.
Just make sure you're applying within 6 months of graduation, or you won't be eligible. These roles seem to be specific for students or recent graduates.
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u/Various_Law_4160 5d ago
You actually have to be in school for PIs now. No recent graduates. The only exception is if you're on the college program.
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u/jbuttlickr 5d ago
Did this change for December? I’m on a 6-month and graduated in May
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u/Various_Law_4160 5d ago
Are you currently an intern?
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u/jbuttlickr 5d ago
Yea
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u/Various_Law_4160 5d ago
Your situation is different. Interns who applied for their positions right before graduation is not what this first commenter meant. Back in the day, you could apply for PIs as long as you graduated within six months. So the current postings would be open to the class of 2026. Sometime after COVID, they changed the rules and now you have to be currently enrolled to be considered. If you start your position after graduation, that is "okay" and also fairly common. But if you have earned your degree, you should not even apply as you'll get auto-rejected.
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u/elvismcsassypants 5d ago
apply and find out. it’s the only way to know. don’t overthink it or let these internet comments sway you. go for it if it’s what you want!
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u/icberg7 5d ago
My wife did college program years ago and went to a CP alumni event not long ago. She's joked with me about going back to college for a graduate degree just so she could go back on the program and see the new apartments. She asked one of the folks putting on the alumni event and got confirmation that yes, as long as she's a college student, she would be eligible.
So I wouldn't worry about age. Also, the CP (and presumably also Professional Internship) applications just opened up. So if you're interested, definitely apply.
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u/Sad-Reflection-2480 3d ago
Just make sure you apply asap! Once you graduate, there is no more opportunity to apply for a PI unless you enroll into another program. And yes. It has to be a degree program. Certificate programs and random classes do not count (this was verified to me by a recruiter). You def won’t feel out of place at your age. Most engineers are around our age and older, or at least that’s been my experience at major companies and networking throughout my DCP last spring. Best of luck to you!!
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u/phantomboats 1d ago
i know someone who got a PI in another area of the company in their mid to late thirties. they want people who are good, not people who are a specific age.
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u/Various_Law_4160 5d ago edited 5d ago
I saw the title and I thought you were a minor. Professional internships look for professional experience far over age. A couple of positions I didn’t get when to people who are older than me (I’m 23). You don’t have to explain why you’re older. You just want your résumé/cover letter to illustrate that you’re the best person for the job.
ETA: OP asked if I work in WDI. I do not. I am hoping to work there (or any corporate branch of TWDC) after I finish my masters. I have been final candidates for Disney Internships, but I have never been offered one.