Will you find your next job from a reality show? Televised competitions focusing within a particular industry are essentially no more than an elongated, publicized interviewing process.
Take into consideration the following three tv shows. They each are hosted by highly-respected people in their trade. Each have a substantial reward for successfully completing each challenge. But, do careers post-15 minute fame actually flourish?
The Apprentice
Industry: Business
Network: NBC
Host: Donald Trump
Prize: An high-level apprenticeship with the Trump Organization
Rate of Success: From the six non-celebrity apprentice winners, all have engaged in their apprenticeship in various parts of the Trump empire.
Most Successful: Kelly Perdew – CEO, board member, tv show host, and is involved in non-profit organizations.
Project Runway
Industry: Fashion
Network: Bravo
Host: Heidi Klum
Prize:$100,000 and a feature in Elle magazine
Rate of Success: Out of the five winners to this point, four have produced their own fashion lines, with two on QVC, and one with her own store. One has experienced heightened media coverage and had his entire fall collection picked up by a high end retail store.
Most Successful: Christian Siriano – Collection at Saks Fifth Avenue and multiple appearances on movies and tv shows.
Top Chef
Industry: Culinary
Network: Bravo
Host: Tom Colicchio
Prize: $100,000 and PR
Rate of Success: Only one of the Top Chefs has successfully opened a restaurant following the show. The other four out of five have plans to open one soon, however.
Most Successful Winner: Harold Dieterle – Owns Perilla restaurant in New York City.
It is possible to find success via small screen. However, it requires determination and a strong will to experience an elevated career level. Even those who don’t win reality shows still gain the mentorship and skills learned during the process. If going on television isn’t your thing, consider live career action planning to get you rolling. Good luck, and make sure you’re always ready for that ‘close-up’ when the opportunity presents itself.
