Story Time: DOC

Hi all!

Sorry for the delay in posting. I've returned to RMIT for my first week back at uni after the holidays and let me tell you it was so much better than I had hoped. Despite my 12 hour Wednesday it still managed to be one of the best, most relaxing weeks of this year and I'm honestly excited about this semester. But hey, my education is not what you're here for so let's get cracking.

After I finally submitted my application I wasn't really expecting anything from Disney for a while. I definitely did not realize there was another step between application and interviews. Granted it isn't that imperative and I know people who, to this day, still haven't been asked to complete it but it was still a genuine surprise.

TIP NO.1: Be prepared

Exactly two weeks after I applied, May 9th, I received an email from Disney with the subject line 'Disney International Programs: Documents Required' and for a second I panicked. I'd sent them my resume, hadn't I? Was it in the wrong format? Did I accidentally skip a section on the application? And etc. That kind of non-sensical 'what if?' panic that runs through your head any time you get an email from Disney that's not 'CONGRATULATIONS!'.

TIP NO. 2: Just read the email, would you?

To nip that confusion in the bud I clicked open the email and gave it a read. Disney wanted more information. I chose that to interpret that as a good thing. I mean, they wouldn't ask for my passport if they weren't considering me, right? Even if it's not true, little confidence boosts are what sustain me.

The email listed two steps. 1) Download a Proof of Student Status form 2) Access DOC and upload (deep breath) PASSPORT, COMPLETED PROOF OF STUDENT STATUS FORM & US ANY PRIOR WORK VISAS stamped on your current valid passport.

Now, I have to preface this next part by explaining that I generally give myself very good advice but I very seldom follow it. Reference completely intended but it's also painfully true. So after receiving this email on a Friday I wouldn't have school, and therefore a chance to get my Proof of Student Status Form (here on referred to as PSSF) signed, until Monday. I decided that I was not going to register for Disney Onboarding Central (DOC) and upload any documents until I had all of the documents ready to go. So I began the wait.

After one day I could no longer stand it. I had somehow convinced myself that if I didn't register for DOC then Disney would think I lacked initiative. Crazy, I know. After work on Saturday I sat down and registered. I can't remember anything about that stage so it must have been pretty straightforward. Afterward I sat myself down and said I wasn't going to do any of the steps until Monday.

Five minutes later I reneged with a new excuse.

TIP NO. 3: Don't be like me.

First, I filled in the emergency contact information. It was dead easy. Because I still live with my mother and she is my emergency contact a good majority of the information is the same as mine. Nothing extra to remember, nothing extra to worry about.

TIP NO. 4: Live with your parents.

Next, address information. Again, dead easy. I know where I live. Hopefully you do too.

TIP NO. 5: Know where you live.

Then I got to the 'Visa Appointment' section. Huh? Visa appointment? I haven't booked a visa appointment yet. With a worried look on my face I skipped it to do something easier.

TIP NO. 6: Have a passport.

Passport information was also easy for me because I have a scanner at home. At this point I was thanking my lucky stars that my aunt had taken me to Disneyland last year. If it weren't for her and that trip I would have had to try to get a passport in 7 days. I do not envy those who didn't have passports. Though I have heard that if you emailed International Recruiting they could sort it all out for you. No worries. I just filled in the details, scanned a copy to prove I wasn't lying and boom! Section done.

After that I was left with two incomplete sections. PSSF and visa appointment. PSSF I wasn't worried about at the moment but visa appointment stared me down like a blood thirsty challenger. Seconds away from emailing International Recruiting I realized that I hadn't actually looked at it yet. No idea why I didn't think of it before. With a draft email ready to send, I took a quick peek into the visa appointment section.

TIP NO. 7: Read everything before you email International Recruiting

Lo and behold....there was nothing about an actual appointment. Yup, delete that email you were about to send. Take her back to DEFCON 5. There is nothing to worry about.

The entire thing is two questions. What city are you applying for your visa in? This one might be tricky for some because it relates to where the US consulate is that you will attend an appointment NOT where you live. Luckily I got to put the city I live in because there is a consulate here. Whoopee. Next question, what country are you applying for your visa in? Same deal applies here. Hopefully there is a consulate in your country. If not, I feel for you.

As for the last one I'm actually going to cover that in a separate post because this one is already way too long. So tune in next time for a Story Time on the PSSF. I'll just leave you with this:

TIP NO. 8: There's a reason Disney lists the PSSF as it's own step. It has earned it.

- Lily