Disney internship chances at CLC

College of Lake County is continuing a program offering certain students a chance to earn credits by working at Walt Disney Co. resorts.

Grayslake-based CLC's program is open to students in corporate communications, human resources management, principles of management and hospitality management. Information sessions for interested students are set for 1 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 16, in Room C005 on CLC's Grayslake campus.

Sylvia Johnson, CLC's executive director of career and placement services/educational talent search, said at least 100 students are expected to meet with a Disney internship recruiter on campus next week.

"When they say 'Disney,' the students' ears perk up and they listen," Johnson said Monday.

Susan Whittaker, of CLC's career and placement services, said the school's younger students who typically live at home have a chance to get an out-of-town college experience with the watchful eye of Disney on them.

Whittaker said Disney places the students in a "healthy" building on its gated property, with restrictions such as no alcohol and a prohibition on visitors after 1 a.m.

"It gives them a sense of being secure, but away from mom and dad," Whittaker said.

Johnson said seven to 10 CLC students will be chosen to work at Disney World in Orlando or Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif., for the spring or fall semesters in 2010. The students will earn CLC credits and work experience in areas such as marketing, human resources and food services.

Disney plans to judge applicants on listening and communication skills as well as attitude, said Whittaker. She said CLC students of all ages are eligible.

Whittaker said an internship at Disney looks good on a resume.

"Disney only takes the cream of the crop," she said.

Other companies that offer major internships to CLC students include Hewitt Associates and Six Flags Inc., Johnson said.