As exciting as an acceptance is, the reality is that not
everybody who applies is offered a place on the Cultural Exchange Program. Whilst the chances are much better on the J1
program than the Domestic College Program, there is still a chance your
application may not be successful. In
the world of Disney careers, this is referred to as ‘No Longer in
Consideration’ or NLIC.
I can honestly say from first-hand experience that being
made NLIC majorly sucks. (If you’re not
familiar with my application story, you can read about my accidental NLIC
HERE). If this program is a big deal to
you, then being made NLIC can be quite a devastating experience, and it’s ok to
be upset about it. Let yourself grieve a
little bit; cry, scream, get mad if you need to. Do whatever it takes to let your emotions out
and when you have, take a deep breath and try to move forward.
If you are made NLIC, there are a few things you can do:
1. Accept the reality of the situation.
I don’t like to sound negative but the truth
of the matter is that 99.99% of the time, and NLIC is final. I realise that I did personally get an NLIC
revoked, but that was pre-interview and due to a very rare clerical error. If you have interviewed already, chances are
your NLIC cannot and will not be revoked.
2. Consider applying again.
Remember that there are 2 intakes for the J1
Cultural Exchange in Australia and New Zealand every year, and you may still be
eligible to apply when the next round of applications opens. I know of people who applied and were denied
several times before eventually being accepted on the program, so it’s not
always a dead end. Remember that if
you’re studying a degree (Bachelor’s level or higher), you can apply after you
finish studying provided you start work at Disney within 12 months of
graduating. Another bonus of applying
again is that you are now familiar with the application process and won’t be
quite so nervous the second time around.
3. Focus on future plans.
In my post about waiting, you may remember I
suggested having a plan B lined up. This
is when those plans come into play.
Perhaps you’ve decided on some more study or want to use the money
you’ve been saving for a cruise.
Whatever your Plan B is, turn your focus to that. Start implementing plans and let yourself get
excited about your new adventures.
Disney is a great opportunity but there is so many other great
opportunities out there too.
What does ‘Pended’
mean?
In your research, you may come across people talking about
being made ‘pended’. This is something
that is usually only applicable to the Domestic College Program, however it
does occasionally happen in international programs. Sometimes, Disney will need a little bit of
extra time in order to find you a position on the program. In this case, they will send you an email
telling you that your application is pending a final decision.
As far as I understand this rarely happens on the J1
Cultural Exchange program, but I do know of one instance in the program before
mine. You can watch a YouTube video
about it HERE.
If you are Pended or made NLIC, try not to let it get you
down. There are many wonderful opportunities
out there and you can still do great things if you just “keep moving forward”.
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