What's a CP and I thought PI was Pleasure Island?

Can you explain the differences in all these programs? (CP and PI/MI)

The College Program (CP) is designed for students to have a work experience at WDW. Anyone who is currently a student may apply and the roles are front line Cast Members such as merchandise, quick service food, attractions, transportation, custodial, etc. It's generally minimum wage, guaranteed 32 hours per week and all of the perks. The programs are anywhere from 4-7 months or so, depending on if you are in the "regular" or the "advantage" season. You can also sometimes 'extend' your program, but you cannot be here for more than a year. While on the program, Disney provides (for a weekly payroll deduction) apartment housing in student complexes for the majority of the students, as well as bus transportation to and from work and various shopping venues. Students also have the opportunity to take Disney classes free of charge while they are here. An ICP is an International College Program student who is here on a special visa (these are specifically created for Disney and are very strict) who basically does the same things as a regular CP, but usually for a year.

A "PI" is a professional internship, but they are also using the term "MI" now to differentiate the management internships. These advanced, or professional, internships are career-related as opposed to frontline Cast Member roles. PIs might be event planning, animal presenter, LOTS of the animal care roles, graphic design, marketing, DVC sales assistant, Guest Relations, and so on. PIs make an hourly wage that is a bit more than CPs and varies widely based on the role. PIs can also take advantage of the Disney housing/bus, etc. A management intern (that's me!) would be in retail, operations, food & beverage, rooms & related, etc. We will make a salary as opposed to an hourly wage and we CANNOT live in the Disney housing, due to the nature of our jobs (conflicts of interest possibly living with CMs who work for you). A PI/MI is 6 months long, usually from Jan-June/June-Jan. Sometimes you can extend your internship if there are business needs and the department really likes you, but a lot of the time, they want fresh faces and perspectives. There are usually some options after a PI/MI, so that's what I'm hoping for (so everyone "swim down" to get this economy back on track!!! )

I told my leadership class instructor today and he was SO happy for me. He knows what a long haul it's been, too. I've really appreciated this class as it has done a great job of preparing me for what's about to come.

We had class at the Magic Kingdom today. What a classroom! I got to go in the utilidors for the first time, which was pretty cool. Most of the class was on Main Street and in Liberty Square, however. It was fantastic and I learned a lot, not just about MK, but "storytelling" and how it applies to leadership. Lots of food for thought!