Networking!

We hear it all the time! Network, network, network. Networking gets you the job. It's not what you know, but who you know. On and on. Every time I heard this I fully agreed, but somewhat rolled my eyes at the same time because I had always networked. Thinking back, I think I received every job I've had up to this point because I knew someone or talked to the manager beforehand.

This was no different with this highly competitive Disney internship either. Basically, when I was down there the last time I somehow found this gym through our casting website. Of course I was intrigued, so I stopped by one day. Unfortunately it was near the end of my program so I didn't have as much time to indulge in it as I would've liked, but I got a good feel of what it looked like. And SMALL is the best word to describe it! Crazy because it's Disney and everything is humungo. (Is that even a word?? It should be.) But this is for just cast members and the majority of the cast members either live 45 mins. away or are in the college program like I was-- who had their own gym at their apartment.

I remember calling Kory, one of the two managers, in the very beginning to just tell him I was interested in what they did, see if he could give me a tour, etc. As mentioned before, seeing that it was the last week, I was super busy doing last-minute things and after we phone-tagged a bunch, I just frankly gave up because it was too hard to get into contact in such short notice. I somewhat regretted that later (but obviously not now!!)

So then, it was October and they had another presentation for the Disney College Program that I went to for fun (Although it was my 3rd one) because I had questions, etc. and they said that the fitness intern would be posted around February. I called the gym in FL, Lifeline Fitness, and there was a girl by the name of Andrea on the phone. Long story short, she recognized my Michigan area code and turns out she not only was from Michigan, but she just graduated from Grand Valley with her degree in Exercise Science (mine) and with the exact same emphasis as me!! Seriously, what are the chances of that. Out of anyone in the entire country.. and we are from the state.. let alone same school.. AND same major!? CraZaZaaY.

So Andrea was a HUGE help! She gave me her e-mail and told me what to expect, shared a LOT about their facility, and how they operate. I believe we talked for a good 2 hours on the phone which was so nice of her! She mentioned that they are really interested in certifications like Zumba and Yoga because they don't hire outside contractors and no one on their staff is certified. Light bulb!

For a few years now I've had the thought of being a Zumba instructor in the back of my head. I went up and down with my thoughts. For example, when I went to a really advanced instructor I thought "Oh man I am not up to par! No way!" On the contrary, when I went to a less likeable or less motivating instructor I would think I could do a 2384x better job than them. Disney was the final push for me to finally go out and do it. I finally realized that all instructors are different and I can make it what I want to be.

So what's what I did! I looked up certifications and thankfully my work location helps out with the cost if they can. I was currently mentoring for a "Butts & Guts" class and told my graduate assistant, Lee I was interested in Zumba and there was a certification 2 weeks away. My work has ALWAYS been good to me and even though I mentored for a Butts & Guts class, she asked me which I preferred. I said it was a toss-up, but said probably Zumba. And with her bright insight is how I got my "Zumba + Abs" class that I loved!

Andrea also gave me Kory and the other manager, Laura's e-mail. In a summary, I pretty much bugged the heck out of them via e-mail and on top of that.. I don't think I ever got one response back! Andrea consistently responded to me and said that they were in a busy time of year but are normally good with e-mails. Still never got one. I e-mailed them asking what I could do to further be a better candidate for the fitness internship. I told them I was going to be getting my Zumba certification, as I heard that they were interested in that. I also mentioned that Andrea, their current intern, went through the exact same classwork as I did (which normally is always a positive thing to mention you have been in contact with a previous worker--showing that you're persistent!).

So as you can see, networking does do a lot ! When I got the job he mentioned that he liked that I had been in contact with them, taught classes, already had lots of experience, and had done the program before. He even mentioned he remembered me trying to get in contact with him last year as well.

I'm thankful for these opportunities I was able to have in order to be lined up for this internship...and more importantly- my future career!

Dreams do come true!!

 

I DID IT!!!!!!

I seriously don't even know how to express my feelings right now...I really don't. So here's the recap. So starting from the beginning I applied for this "Exercise Coordinator Internship" along with the regular position I received a month ago. The exercise position was considered a "professional internship" -- meaning 40 hours a week, higher pay, etc. and are much, MUCH harder to attain. I anticipated a longer wait and rightfully so as I applied February 8th and I just heard back April 19th.

I finally got an interview with the 2 managers of the fitness center called Lifeline Fitness. It's located in a building specifically for cast members right across from Downtown Disney-- so a busy location! We had a really great conference phone interview and they just basically asked me what I've done between my many jobs. After I talked their ear off, they asked me a few more questions and explained the job description in detail. He said a few times that I would be a great fit for them and that I have what they're looking for. That brought my hopes up a bit; however, I had to keep in mind that I thought over 60 people applied for this position, so regardless, my chances were super slim.

Just some of my class-- how cute are they!

They were very excited that I taught Zumba because they don't hire outside contractors and just have their staff teach whatever is within their certifications and they have never had Zumba before. (Odd.) So I will be teaching that (I'll have to throw in a few Disney songs! Any ideas??), doing health screenings, traveling to other resorts and giving presentations/speeches on health talks, leading lunch-time resort walks, fitness assessments, training clients, etc. I asked what the average class size of the classes were and he said that the most popular one was 9 but in general they average around 4-5. So yes, quite small compared to the 20-30 I regularly taught Zumba too! But that isn't necessarily a bad thing- I'll be able to get to know the participants more and hopefully gain some new ones as it will be new to lots of people there!

And they don't know I do themed classes either ...

   

I'm going to be down there for Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years.. can you even imagine the themed classes!?!? :)

So then I got a message to be scheduled for an additional "interview". I didn't think I was supposed to get one for the fitness one, so I assumed it was for one of the others I applied for. My caller ID showed that it was a call from the fitness center, which I thought was odd. So one of the first things the recruiter said was that I could relax and it wasn't an interview and he just wanted to confirm some things. Solid. Deep breath. He then asked me if I was still in college. I replied by saying that I was going to be graduating the following Saturday. His tone of voice raised as he said something like, "Well that is definitely something to celebrate. I think I may also be giving you some news to celebrate even further as we are extending the offer for the exercise coordinator position to you!" Gasp. Slight tear-eyes. Whaaaaaaaaat?! I rarely ever cry, but I'm pretty sure my eyes were filled with happy tears the rest of the conversation.

 Furthering, he asked if I would like to know how the process went of selecting the candidates. Um, yesh. He explained that there were over 100 applicants and that only 2 were receiving the internship.. and I was one of them!! More gasp. I thought mine wasn't as competitive as other business ones, but I was clearly very wrong. He said that even that I had an interview and thought it went well said a lot. He went into more detail of everything else and just knowing that this will be my first full-time job with high pay just tops it right off. The only negative thing I can say so far about it is the hours. As of now he said the 2 interns pick which shifts they would like: 5:30AM - 2PM or 11:30AM - 8:00PM Monday-Friday. Both shifts completely not ideal for obvious reasons but I absolutely cannot complain as I have been given this amazing opportunity and already know I have weekends off! I won't have to leave as early as May 27th either as this one starts in June so officially June 12-January 4th is my time down there.   :)

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for everyone's continued support. From my friends, internship, work, family, and even strangers -- you don't know how much it truly means to me.

Happy girl.

Next blog: On networking and how it helped me get the job!!