University of Indianapolis MBAs get special shot at 'The Apprentice'

INDIANAPOLIS - University of Indianapolis business school alumni will be hoping to hear "You're hired!" when Donald Trump's casting directors come to town Feb. 24-26 scouting for the next Apprentice.

You're hired!

The university will host a private casting call for the hit-NBC series from 2 to 6 p.m. Feb. 24 that will be open only to master's of business administration graduates of University of Indianapolis and Indiana University. The private casting session will be followed by a local call open to the general public on Feb. 26 at WTHR studios.

"The Apprentice" series starts each season with 18 actual job candidates, divided into two teams, who are vying for a $250,000-a-year position in The Trump Organization. Each week the teams face a new competition, and one contestant is fired from the losing team. The third season, now under way, is featuring "book smart" college graduates versus "street smart" business professionals who do not have college degrees.

"The University of Indianapolis MBA program is an ideal training ground for 'Apprentice' wannabes," said Matthew Will, director of graduate business programs. "Our students are book smart and street smart. They come from a variety of educational and business backgrounds, and gain additional real-world experience here. Often that practical wisdom comes from top executives of local firms - among them Eli Lilly & Company - who teach many of our courses."

Although the university casting call is closed, others interested in interviewing for the show may bring a completed application to the open call on Feb. 26 at WTHR, 1000 N. Meridian St. Wristbands will be handed out from 9 a.m. to noon, guaranteeing a meeting with the casting agents, and interviews will begin at 10 a.m. Contestants must be 21 years old, eligible to work in the U.S., and have business savvy or entrepreneurial experience.

Last updated on 25 Apr 2008

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