A competitive edge: student programs based on NBC's The Apprentice are a win for institutions

University Business, Jan, 2007 by Carrie Oleynik

Competing on four teams, 16 students enrolled in the class to vie for a chance to win a $4,000 scholarship, which would be split four ways among the members of the winning team. Funding for the scholarship was provided by alumni of the college, whom Schoenbachler says continue to give to the college even years after the class was held. (The college has experienced an overall increase in alumni support.)

Although NIU no longer offers the course, Schoenbachler, who was chair of the Department of Marketing at the time, recalls the experience as invaluable, especially in terms of reconnecting with alumni. The two alumni who served as "The Donalds" continue to stay involved. One has joined the College's Board of Advisors, and the other became a member of the College's Strategic Planning Council and also teaches part-time.

"Our students learned from the group of alumni, who became re-enthused at the same time. It was a blast," Schoenbachler recalls. "The students took it to a [higher] level than we ever expected."

In one week, students raised $11,000 to send a care package to soldiers in Iraq. One student even landed a spot on a local TV morning news show to promote the effort.

"The class is one of those things that we will never forget," Schoenbachler says. "I truly feel like the students who were in the class will be interested and engaged alumni of the college forever."

Vanderbilt University: The Accelerator

Mike Sicard, associate professor of management in the Owen Graduate School of Management at Vanderbilt University (Tenn.), meets regularly with former students of the four-week Accelerator program, of which he is director. The Accelerator, open to both undergraduate and recent graduates, features classroom instruction and hands-on experience with dozens of executives from different industries. Students help those executives address the business issues they're facing.

The program not only keeps Sicard in touch with former students, but also encourages Vanderbilt undergraduates to join the business school, while also inspiring graduates to return to the institution to pursue the master's of finance program.

Prior to launching The Accelerator, the Nashville institution hosted focus groups asking students what their needs were. Now, two years into the program, the number of students opting to sign up is steadily increasing. Moreover, the number of companies that students have connected with through the program's networking breakfasts, lunches, and dinners has easily surpassed the 100 mark. While they don't compete for an actual job offer, they're making connections with hiring managers.

"Businesses that have been involved like what they've seen and students have responded very favorably," Sicard says of the program. "If you do it well, they get excited."

Carrie Oleynik is the communications specialist in the College of Business and Economics at Towson University (Md.).

A DOSE OF REALITY

What does it take to start a reality competition similar to

The Apprentice on a campus? Those who have done so offer the following suggestions: