Prerequisites for Imagineering?

[DisneyFREAK91]

Ok, I would absolutely LOOOOVE to be an Imagineer.

It and Acting (still haven't decided) are my two passions in life.

However, I think about it, and realize...do I need to have some sort of prerequisite in Mathematics or Architecture or Engineering for the job? I mean, I'd like to think that I could get in on pure ingenuity because I think I'd be a great addition.

Well, does anyone know if people need technical know-how to become an Imagineer?

[Zipadeedooda]

If you want to be an Imagineer you have to have a college degree in egineering. Not an easy feat to accomplish. Also, after you've gotten your degree and have applied to be an imagineer you still have to wait and work your way up through the Disney co. An imagineer is a hard job to get because so many people want the job and Disney doesn't take in imagineers right off the bat.

[disneydarling]

You'll need a 4 year degree in engineering for starts, and probablly some grad school as well...it's a tough job to train for but I am sure it will be worth the effort - good luck!!

[nicks10]

wow, i was thinking about trying for an imagineering job too. sounds like hard work, but would be well worth it because i would love it so much!

[JackSparrow7]

You do not, I repeat DO NOT! need to be an engineer to be an Imagineer. Just look at this list of positions that I got from "The Unofficial Walt Disney Imagineering Page

"According to a recruiting brochure printed in the early 1990s, WDI employs people in the following fields, which are "just a few" of the many at WDI: Accountants, Advanced Technology Researchers, Architects, Architectural Designers, Audio/Video Specialists and Engineers, CAD Specialists, Carpenters, Civil Engineers, Colorists, Computer Software Designers and Programmers, Conceptual Designers, Construction Managers, Contract Administrators, Cost Engineers, Electrical Engineers, Electronic and Electromechanical Assemblers, Environmental Designers and Space Planners, Exhibit Designers, Facility Designers and Space Planners, Financial Analysts, General Services Support, Graphic Designers, Human Resource Specialists, Illustrators, Industrial Designers, Industrial Engineers, Interior Designers, Landscape Architects, Librarians and Information Specialists, Lighting Designers, Local Area Network Administrators, Machinists, Materials Applications Designers, Material Planners, Mechanical Engineers, Model Builders, Optics and Projection Systems Engineers, Plastics Fabricators, Producers, Production Artists, Production Coordinators, Project Estimators, Project Managers, Project Planners, Project Schedulers, Prototype Developers, Quality Assurance Engineers, Scenic Artists, Screen Printers, Sculptors, Secretaries, Show Technology Designers, Show Set Designers, Special Effects Designers, Story and Copy Writers, Storyboard and Sketch Artists, Strategic Planners, Systems Engineers, Telecommunications Specialists, Tool and Die Makers

Don't see your speciality listed? Don't worry! WDI employs Imagineers in more fields than are listed here--they even have at least one attorney! "


So don't worry, you have a lot of options!!

[grandmarshal22]

Yeah, I am in graphic design

[Stitch]

Hmmm I have a degree in Graphic Design and Web Design, plus skills in multiple crafts, interior design, and marketing.

Any one got the name handy on where to send a resume?

[grandmarshal22]

sorry, no idea

[DisneyFREAK91]

Well thank you all that helped me very much so

[alalune042]

It depends what type of imagineering you want to do. There are designers and engineers. If you want to be an engineer, it depends what you want to DO as an engineer. If you want to design structures such as SE or rollercoasters, go for civil engineering with a focus in structural, or go full blown structural. Mechanial= animatronics. Then there's electrical, enviornmental, chemical...the list is endless. Designers are people such as interior designers, set designers, etc. I'm going for structural

[alalune042]

Jack Sarrow7 said it right, you DON'T technically have to be an engineer, but then where's all the fun? j/k. There are LOTS of jobs involved in disney imagineering. let us know what you are planning on doing, I am interested to know. Also, are you in college yet? Just wondering what you would want to major in.

[HomeofLove4Him]

So which is it??

Do you need to have an engineering degree, or not??

[alalune042]

No, you don't. If you want to be an engineer for disney, obviously yes. If you want to be a designer such as an interior designer, then no. There is a list above that shows all of the careers involved in disney imagineering. It all depends on what you want to do for disney.

[hgraber]

When I first decided I wanted to be an Imagineer, I searched the internet for qualifications for different positions and I came across this:
http://imagineering.themedattraction...ge1/page1.html

I recommend the article called "So you want to be an Imagineer." It's about 6 pages long, but it's very helpful.

Keep in mind that there are tens of thousands of applications on file for about 1000 jobs, so you're not going to become an Imagineer on a whim. Disney hires the best and brightest in their respective fields. The best advice I could give is to gain experience in the area you want to apply for. Also, there many more Imagineering jobs than just Engineering. I used to think that Imagineers were Engineers, but there are many more areas that that!

[SoupBone]

Hmmm....What type of degree would you need in order to design theme park attractions? With that question I actually mean the sets themselves and not neccessarily the ride. I always wondered that. Like the design for Splash Mountain...what type of degree would it require to design say the scene from the laughing place?