March 15, 2005

GW Takes Aim on “The Apprentice”

By Julia Jacobelli

GW was abuzz with upbeat executives and business management majors descending upon Alumni House in late February, aiming to land a spot on NBC’s hit show “The Apprentice.” GW alumni, faculty, staff, and students who were 21 years or older were eligible to participate in the interview process. More than 100 people representing GW’s various schools crowded into Alumni House dressed to impress and waiting for their opportunity to win over the casting producers. Alumni returned to GW from all over the country for their chance to be selected for the show.

The casting producers of “The Apprentice” hold open call sessions all over the United States in search of members to compete for the chance to work for Donald Trump. Each year they hold special casting sessions at various universities.
According to Valoree Vargo, executive director

of advancement, communication, and events at GW, the producers of “The Apprentice” called to request permission to hold an open call for past and present members of GW’s community.

Applicants attended the session for many different reasons. Some, like Beth Brodsky, a 21-year-old senior majoring in communications were competing for a job opportunity.

“I’m graduating, I need a job. I’m applying to law school, but I’m not sure what I want to do. I think I have what it takes to be the apprentice; I think it’s a unique way to look for a job,” Brodsky said.

Many others were there for the experience, such as Robert Griffiths, a 37-year-old graduate of GW’s MBA program.

“I would consider this to be entertainment,” he said “but it’s good exposure and a good experience. I don’t really expect to get a job out of it.”

Candidates detailed how they thought GW prepared them for an opportunity like “The Apprentice.” Robert Reichert, a 34-year-old graduate of the Elliott School of International Affairs, said his exposure to different kinds of people and cultures at GW prepared him for this kind of situation.

“Just for me, the Elliott School allowed me to deal with so many different people, different ethnic backgrounds — it opened up a lot of social interaction,” Reichert added.

Brodsky added that she thought the Columbian School had made her a very well-rounded person, with its programs in art, science, and English.

“GW has definitely prepared me for what is about to come, whether it be “The Apprentice”, law school, or some other job,” she said.

Scott Salyers, cast producer for “The Apprentice,” said they were looking for candidates for both the Donald Trump version as well as the Martha Stewart version.

“Donald Trump is big business, real estate, and things like that, while Martha Stewart is more media savvy. We’re looking for a lot more PR people for her show. Those kinds of people are now trying out, where they didn’t turn out for the Donald Trump show,” said Salyers. In a game of first impressions, Salyers was impressed by the turnout at GW. The network was expecting fewer than 50 “Apprentice” hopefuls.

Send feedback to: bygeorge@gwu.edu