Local woman gets a shot at dream job

Cayron Mann needs America’s vote.

CareerBuilder.com selected the Muscle Shoals native as a Jungle Cruise Skipper finalist in Disney’s online “Dream Job” contest.

“I was majorly surprised when I got the phone call that I’d made finalist,” Mann said.

She learned about the contest through the DIS Boards, an online message community dedicated to all things Disney.

In 45 seconds, contestants were to showcase why they want to work at a Disney park, qualifications and skills for their desired position, and reasons why this is their dream job.

Dream Job wannabes like Mann sent videos to CareerBuilder.com showcasing their most original and creative attributes.

“Being somebody who likes Disney, it sounded like a great opportunity to win a trip and do something a little bit silly (like putting) a video out on the Internet,” Mann said.

The team at Career Builder.com chose 20 finalists in five categories. Five winners will be chosen from the categories of Jungle Cruise Skipper, Haunted Mansion Butler or Maid, Pirate, Princess-in-Waiting and Disney Park Parade Performer.

“I (chose) Jungle Cruise Skipper,” Mann said. “It fits my style, speed and personality.”

Mann is a lifelong Disney enthusiast. She made her first trip to Disney World in 1976.

“I enjoyed (it) as a child, and I’ve enjoyed taking my family as an adult,” she said.

Mann said she has enjoyed watching other finalists’ video entries and communicating with them via e-mail.

Finalists’ fate is in the hands of the viewers. Winners will be selected by popular vote, based on the number of views and votes each video receives.

Winners will receive an all-expense paid vacation to the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Calif., during the grand opening of Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage in June 2007.

During the trip, winners will get the chance to work at their chosen job for the day.

“I’ve never really done anything this selfish before in my life,” Mann said.

“I have a huge amount of support (from) family, friends and friends of friends.”

Those supporters may help Mann win a trip to Disneyland and the chance to be a Jungle Cruise Skipper for a day.

“A lot of people say that working at Disney would just be a dream job,” she said. “It sounds like a load of fun.”

Voting will close March 30.

Mann’s audition may be viewed at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=hRrFIEPmrTQ

To vote for Mann and view other auditions, go to: www.careerbuilder.com/disneydreamjobs