What’s in a handshake?  A handshake is a first impression when meeting potential employers and new colleagues.  In fact you may find yourself doing a bit of handshaking as you are introduced to staff and trying to remember names and job titles.  Be sure your hands are clean and your nails manicured.  If you suffer from sweaty palms when you are nervous, try to relax.  Everyone can relate to being overwhelmed on the first day of any new experience so you should not feel uncomfortable! A firm handshake coupled with a few helpful hints can help you make a positive memorable impression.

When introduced, make eye contact, shake firmly and repeat the person’s name and smile!  You can ask for a business card if they have one on their desk or look at their name tag or office title.  Make a mental note and if you are keeping a journal be sure to write the name, title and date of your meeting.  Watch this YouTube video for more great tips!

How can students and employers benefit from interns? Read the Miami Herald article by Cindy Krischner Goodman.

The career development department at SPC has offered me two internship opportunities. Over the last year I have gained valuable work experience in marketing and management. This has added great value to my resume in addition to my education. I am currently interning for Network People, an IT company. I have been able to apply my learning from my marketing electives by writing and implementing a strategic marketing communication mix. The multiple management and leadership courses have given me the confidence to lead, manage, and plan all marketing efforts for the future.

I am truly grateful for internship experiences SPC has helped me get involved in. There is a lot of competition in today’s job market. I feel that the guidance SPC has given me has helped me gain a competitive edge. When I graduate this fall, not only will have my BAS in Management and Organizational Leadership, I will have two marketing internships, and some important references. It has been the perfect set up for the Marketing Manager positions I will be applying for this fall.

by Britney Nikles

Disney College Program Campus Representative, St. Petersburg College

Ever imagine what it’d be like to be a Disney Cast Member? When you work at Disney you’re more then just an employee you are part of the show! Being able to help bring the magic to life has been one of the most rewarding journeys I’ve embarked when I applied for the Disney College Program. I had a amazing on-the-job experiences. Took courses I received college credit for only offered by Disney. And made some pretty amazing professional connections through their networking opportunities I found.

The Disney College Program is an entry-level internship at Walt Disney World or Disney Land. It’s a paid position and they provide available housing for your program length. All that’s required is you are actively enrolled for at least one college course when you apply. Everyone’s experience is difference, its all what you make it.

I applied to the Disney College Program as something to do to help me determine what I really want do professionally. I was offered a position for seven months as a lifeguard, and of course I most eagerly accepted it. I remained a fulltime student through online courses (not required), and took one of Disney’s college credit courses they offered.

On my free time I found myself making lots of memories. I had roommates, and we always found something fun to do. Oh… Yeah, you get to visit the theme parks as much as you want when you’re a Cast Member on your days off! So if you can dream it, we did it… Disney style!

I met tons of inspirational Cast Members who shared their stories and experiences, and helped pave a path for me. The Corporate communications course I took with Disney showed me the professional side of a huge corporation. I decided it would be best to go home and work towards a degree in Business and Marketing for Public Communications.

When I was in my final months of my program, I applied to extend for another five months. I was accepted, and cross-trained into Recreation for children’s activities. Once I completed my additional time, I choose to go seasonal. You can only be on the College Program for twelve months maximum at a time. I took a seasonal status to remain a current Cast Member. After one year of being seasonal and sharing my story so many times… I transferred to a Disney College Program Representative so I could share the magic even more.

http://cp.disneycareers.com/en/about-disney-college-program