Originally Posted By HokieSkipper <<Yes, but not for wdi. i know someone who's roomate is in wdi>> What year are you and have you ever worked for the company before? Also, just so you know, WDI does very, very little actual engineering. You'd get more design work in one of the other branches.
Originally Posted By WDW Imagineer ^^^Thanks michael. I mean i've wanted this for forever so i'm really gonna try like crazy
Originally Posted By WDW Imagineer no, about to start college. Mechanical engineering and/or creative development or theatrical design
Originally Posted By HokieSkipper Well, first of all good luck maintaining a 3.5 in ME. That's one hell of a tough goal to set for yourself in that major. Trust me, haha. Secondly, ME and something like theatrical design are pretty far apart. You want some real advice? Don't go to college to become an Imagineer. Because chances are, and I'm just being a realist here I'm not trying to be mean or anything, it's not gonna happen. Major in something you'll enjoy doing for the rest of your life outside of Imagineering, because even if you do end up there for a short time you most likely won't be there long since they work on a contract by contract basis. Don't go to college to try and become an imagineer. Go to college for something you'll enjoy doing for the rest of your life no matter where you're working. Again, not saying you're not, just giving a sliver of advice.
Originally Posted By WDW Imagineer <<Don't go to college to become an Imagineer. Because chances are, and I'm just being a realist here I'm not trying to be mean or anything, it's not gonna happen.>> Oh ya i know. I know there's a slim to none chance, but I mean I'll never forgive myself if I don't try you know? Also, I'm considering going to college in Florida to get away from everyone I know here so I can really focus. And who knows, I may hate ME and decide to do something else. I'm really just gonna play whatever hand I'm dealt
Originally Posted By HokieSkipper <<Oh ya i know. I know there's a slim to none chance, but I mean I'll never forgive myself if I don't try you know? Also, I'm considering going to college in Florida to get away from everyone I know here so I can really focus. And who knows, I may hate ME and decide to do something else. I'm really just gonna play whatever hand I'm dealt>> Good. I just wanted to tell you that. Have you declared to be an engineer? Or are you just thinking about it?
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 If you want to be an Imagineer then you really want to be a pretty boy. Seriously. And the skills you want to perfect won't ever make it onto your resume ...
Originally Posted By WDW Imagineer Thinking about it. I'm taking the math and science route so it may end up being something totally different. I mean, my job right now is basically designing theatrical sets and i'm working with projections and stuff and believe me, I love it. So idk
Originally Posted By CaptainMichael Question: Why even be an Imagineer these days (if such a thing even exists in the original sense of the word anymore)? Why work for an organization that restricts and basically discourages creativity and imagination. I know it's sad think about how much things have changed, but Imagineering isn't what it used to be, and Disney is moving more and more towards independent contractors. Look at what Universal was able to accomplish using contractors for WWoHP. Hogsmeade and Hogwarts look incredible and were done by Nassal. So, it seems to me that it would be more worthwhile, fulfilling, and rewarding to work for a smaller creative/design firm like Eddie Sotto does now (for example.) There is more work this way (when the economy is better) and you get to use your imagination/be creative. Universal has made me a believer in the contractor method.
Originally Posted By WDW Imagineer ^^^and it's for reasons like this that i'm keeping my options open and not limiting them strictly to the world of disney
Originally Posted By HokieSkipper <<Thinking about it. I'm taking the math and science route so it may end up being something totally different. I mean, my job right now is basically designing theatrical sets and i'm working with projections and stuff and believe me, I love it. So idk>> Do your research on ME. Trust me. i got into it and it's a LOT different than I initially thought. I'm lucky because I love all of this stuff, but what you get from an ME degree may really surprise you. If you have any questions, I'd be happy to talk about ME. And if you really enjoy creative design, research that as well. Because, just so you know, if your an engineer for WDI, you'll have absolutely no say in creative decisions.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 There's still prestige in being an Imagineer. Don't for a second believe Eddie wouldn't go back if The Mouse would have him.
Originally Posted By WDW Imagineer ^^^Thanks Hokie, I'm actually probably going to take you up on that advice giving offer as the time draws nearer. I'll also be doing extensive research before I do anything. You never know, with a little luck it may work.
Originally Posted By HokieSkipper It would help. But for engineering, it would most likely push your graduation back a year.
Originally Posted By WDW Imagineer ^Which idk if that bothers me cause 1. pretty much anything I'd want to do with disney be it college program, PI, or what have you pretty much puts me back a year and 2, it's not like I'm trying to graduate with people I know
Originally Posted By HokieSkipper ^^You'll have friends in college! Haha. Also, PIs are done during the summer, so they wouldn't necessarily mess with graduation dates.
Originally Posted By WDW Imagineer ^^The guy I know is actually doing his 2nd PI, he got in for Festival Disney I believe. Idk why but it pushed his graduation back a year
Originally Posted By xrayvision I had engineering friends that did the WDW college program during the summer, and they graduated on-time, 5 years, just as scheduled. Go for it! And, even if you don't become a Disney imagineer, there are several companies that do engineering, architecture and design for the entertainment and tourism industries.
