Networking....the Disney Way

As a part of the Disney College Program, you don't just get a job with 40+ hours a week of work, but you're also required to take one class per quarter. So summed up, that is two classes per the length of the program.
The class that I'm taking this quarter is called Blended Learning Series. Components of the class are

Walt drawing the original Mickey, with the modern Mickey peeking over.

• Networking and Leadership Excellence      
• Disney Heritage
• Skills & Transition
• Corporate Citizenship
• VoluntEAR Experience 
• Ambassador Interviews 

 The class is only once a week for three hours each. This past week we had a more in depth view on the importance of Networking and what the "Disney Way" of networking is.

The Disney Way 

1. Why make connections

• Career development
• meeting others 
• partnering for efficient work environment
• gathering information for future interests

 2.  Meet and Greets

• be prepared to have a 30 minute conversation
• the conversation is more informational, not a job search
• Identify your objective
• do your research BEFORE the meet and greet
• identify how your interest relates to the individual you are meeting with

What is also very important is to understand what type of formalities to use when networking. If you are at formal marketing event where everyone has the intention to make connections at that moment then be prepared for that. Have a 30 second informational speech prepared as an introduction of yourself to others.
If you are in an informal moment where the connection is being made almost unintentionally then also be aware of that moment and opportunity. Again, it is not a job search, you are just making a connection to keep in touch with in the future.

Also, make sure that your online persona is clean and doesn't have any information you wouldn't want your boss to know about. Remember that your future employers WILL Google you and they do look or specific qualities online. Like:

• Extroversion                                       
• Agreeableness
• Conscientiousness
• Openness to new experiences
• Neuroticism(are you crazy?)

The Walt Disney Company and whatever your future employment at the company is all based on the amount of hard work and good ol' fashion networking you're willing to put in. The opportunities are endless at this company. We, the cast members, place the limitations on ourselves, there is little to nothing standing as a roadblock preventing you from moving onward and upward within the company.