Should I sign up for The Apprentice?

Published by Michael White on November 14, 2010 | 10 Comments

Go on, admit it. Who has been watching the latest series of The Apprentice? I have and I do have a couple of favourites who I believe could win; Chris Bates and Stella English. What a productive and intelligent couple.

Yet, whenever I watch The Apprentice I am struck at how bizarre some business approaches are. Often poor logic and insight cause the worst decisions. Not helped by the fact each contestant is concerned with their own survival which egotistically puts a strain on team work until the last few rounds.

I believe I could do better. Yes, I would probably make mistakes which the national would laugh at but I’m convinced I would have enough sense to survive the longevity of Lord Alan’s business challenges.

It is quite moving that on Twitter @Holpols, @Hockey1989, @Hana_Louise, @TomMcGovern5, @Unrepentant_ and @bastet_grewpaws all think I should sign up for it. @MBlair22 has agreed he will sign up as well if I do.

The question is: Are the producers of The Apprentice looking for intelligent candidates or just individuals who will provide entertaining television?

Should I sign up for The Apprentice?

Have you ever signed up for it?

Michael is a Consultant for Keene Communications where he devises and manages digital public relations campaigns. Keene Communications has been providing public affairs, public relations and representation services for over 25 years. Michael is a certified member (MCIPR) of the Chartered Institution of Public Relations (CIPR).

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http://www.twitter.com/emguinx Emma C

The Apprentice is one of the few ‘reality tv’ shows that still has some integrity. I think the BBC and Lord Sugar are actually looking to showcase some of the finest business minds on the show. Naturally, only those willing to prove themselves on tv apply and appear on the show, so I don’t think it totally reflects the business world in Britain today, but in comparison to other reality shows, the candidates are not driven by the thought of their 5 minutes of fame.

So long as the thought of the nation watching and discussing your every move doesn’t scare you (it most definately would do to me!), I really don’t see why you shouldn’t apply.
Ryan Curtis

“The question is: Are the producers of The Apprentice looking for intelligent candidates or just individuals who will provide entertaining television?”

beware … presumably all those who signed up thought the same way (i.e. deeply convinced that they were intelligent candidates with fine business acumen). One of the enduring legacies of the show is to demonstrate that spending a few years at uni are not a good foundation for an aspiring entrepreneur … although it’s an excellent route for being a small cog in a big wheel for 50 years.

Many of those contestants are the cream of the crop as far as british uni graduates go … which really should scare the crap out of everyone.
- http://mikesoft98.wordpress.com Michael White
  
  Ah, do I sense some bitterness towards further education?
  
  I have no doubt the tasks are difficult but even in the environment I work in at the moment – working with short deadlines happens all the time. Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. Perhaps the show tests canidates to the points of their failings as well. The thought of those failings being discussed by the public is a bit eye watering. Nevertheless, being on the show would be a great experience.
Rob Webster

Think they’re going for a combination of both. None of them remaining are idiots, and the ones who were (Melissa) have been fired very quickly. That said, I think they’re looking for people with a very specific charisma. The people who will plunge head first into anything.

Take Stuart. He’s actually my favourite candidate, I think he’s the most competent of the lot – definitely the most natural – but I think on top of the business savvy, putting his foot in it every now and then is part of his skillset. You need to have a certain degree of charisma, and ability to make fun of yourself.

I’m definitely thinking of applying. I love the Apprentice. I’d really enjoy the challenge. Do think I’d probably go out in the first few weeks, but I’m very tempted.

The only point of reluctance for me is that it might actually hinder a career in the media. If I want to go behind the scenes at the BBC, I kinda think they might look at a former Apprentice candidate and go “actually, you know what? there might be an ulterior motive there.” I still want to give it a shot, though. Would be brilliant.
- http://mikesoft98.wordpress.com Michael White
  
  It is interesting that you should write about possibly hindering a career in the media. Do you know of stories where this has happened? I would love a career in the media but I had never considered your above point. Part of me believes that you should just grab any possible opportunity avaliable.
  - Rob Webster
    
    Kate Walsh out of the last series has that cack show on Channel Five, but other than that I don’t know if it might seem a little tacky. Plus they’d all have seen you being fairly viciously deconstructed on the television. I can’t imagine, in interviews, that it wouldn’t become a point of discussion, and I’m not sure whether it’d be helpful or a hinderance.
    
    I think Anita Shah’s writing for the Telegraph right now, but she’s just writing an Apprentice-based column.
    
    I don’t know. I think it’s telling that you hear a lot of people saying that “X candidate is only interested in a media career,” etc. etc. (I think Paloma may have said it to Alex two weeks ago), and there’s probably a ring of truth to that, but you then see very few of them going on to actually get one.
    
    I may just be being over-cautious, though. I don’t think any of them would’ve had strong media CVs in the first place, so you know – might be nothing. Heck, the Apprentice might even add to it, if you’re genuinely qualified! (Which I’d hope to be.) It’s just something I’d potentially be concerned about.
Rob Webster

“Ability to make fun of yourself”… I don’t even remember writing that. Laura definitely doesn’t have that. Ability to make mistakes, is where I was going with that.

In fairness, the tasks are dead hard. Creating a successful advertising campaign is hard enough with weeks upon weeks of premeditation. Let alone within two days. I think the appeal of the Apprentice is putting competent people into stressful scenarios. Even the most incompetent of the candidates (again, probably Melissa) clearly had a degree of something about her.
Rob Webster

(Have just checked and applications are closed for this year, mind.)
- http://mikesoft98.wordpress.com Michael White
  
  They usually open at the end of broadcasting the last episode
  - Rob Webster
    
    I think it’s already been and gone this year, though – https://apprentice.fremantlemedia.com/
    
    Keep in mind that this series has been delayed by six months, whereas production’s just marched on (presumably for a return to the Spring slot next year). Might even be filming by now – it’s typically filmed in the autumn. Bit gutting, but ah well. D: At least there’s another series sliding into the can. Brilliant show. Love the Apprentice.