August 2004

© UPI

Would Donald Trump Want You?
Could you be the ideal candidate?

· Are you 21 years or older?
· Are you a risk taker and can you demonstrate it?
· Do you succeed in a cutthroat environment?
· Do you think creatively and against the tide?
· Are you a leader?

These were the taunting phrases used to lure MBA’s and other alumni from the University of Utah into auditioning for the third season of Donald Trump’s "reality" hit, "The Apprentice," opening up an opportunity for those selected to work with and learn from billionaire Donald Trump, plus earn a salary of $250,000!

Ultimately, 54 candidates interviewed for "the most sought-after job in the world." Some were chosen to attend a final selection later this summer in Los Angeles, according to Shannon McCarty, casting associate for Mark Burnett Productions, the agency that produces the show for NBC. No names were released since the entire endeavor was cloaked in secrecy but will eventually be revealed when the show is aired.

Julie Swaner, Alumni Career Counselor, coordinated the auditions, which took place on Friday July 16. Each candidate was allowed only a couple of minutes to communicate how he or she would add value to the show. Clearly, one's résumé was less important than one's ability to communicate a high level of energy coupled with that "certain something" sought by television producers and pleasing to audiences. According to McCarty, that "something" can't be defined, but she knows it when she sees it. The Salt Lake Tribune, Deseret Morning News, and KSL-Channel 5 were on hand to interview and shoot clips of nervous contestants.

The University of Utah was singled out, along with a handful of other universities around the U.S., to participate in this unique, high-profile experience. McCarty indicated that she was very impressed with the number and caliber of student applicants.

Would you like to learn how to generate and communicate that certain edge? Then contact career counselor Julie Swaner in the Alumni Career Program at 585-5036.

Donald Trump is a billionaire real estate developer who has amassed a fortune through owning key New York properties (i.e. Trump Towers), and Atlantic City casinos (i.e. Taj Mahal). He has gained fame for his flamboyant deals, his run for President, and his supermodel love interests. Source: www.askmen.com

U-News & Views © 2004 - An online publication
by the University of Utah Alumni Association
Questions? Concerns? Contact Linda Marion, editor
(801-587-7837)