 "Photo: photo courtesy of realitytvworld.com")
Out of thousands who auditioned, Murray State alumna Jennifer Wallen was one of the lucky contestants who landed a spot on the fourth season of NBC's hit show "The Apprentice."
Wallen graduated in 1996 with a Bachelor of Arts in public relations and political science, and she was a member of the women's golf team while at the University. A Tennessee native, she is the former president of her local Future Farmers of America Association.
According to the show's Web site, Wallen moved to Arizona in 2000 where she opened her real estate company, Hot Realty. In the company's first year, it grossed more than $1.3 million and is expected to more than double in 2005. Wallen is the company's designated broker who oversees more than 70 agents and employees.
Along with Hot Realty, she recently opened her second business, Off the Hook Sushi and Martini Bar, a restaurant. She and her partners also have plans to open two more restaurants in the upcoming year.
Wallen's thriving business career made her a tough candidate to overlook. She ended up being one of 18 contestants Donald Trump hand-picked to endure his meticulous, business-oriented tasks.
"Actually, it was my husband that went to an open casting call here in Phoenix," Wallen said via e-mail. "He took a photo. It was a head shot of he and I. When (my husband) showed the casting director the picture, he told them that if he did not make it to the next round that I was a shoe-in. He told them that I was the brains behind the business."
Wallen said when her husband, Jeff, was called back for a second interview, producers requested she go as well. She filled out a questionnaire, went through an on camera interview and submitted a five-minute videotape about her and her business. After that, Wallen spent several days testing and interviewing with Trump.
Being chosen as a contestant was an experience in itself, but Wallen said she took it as an opportunity to learn more about herself. She said staying positive and being a team player were a couple of her strengths.
The experience also taught her trust is earned and not given and she must always stay true to her values and keep her integrity through any of her future endeavors.
Although Wallen took full advantage of her chance on the show, she knows there are events that even a reality TV show cannot replace.
"Certain events in my life can never be 'trumped,' like the day my children were born, my wedding day, the day I opened my first business," Wallen said. "But like in all these events, as well as the experience of being selected as a contestant on 'The Apprentice,' you hope to learn, grow and create profound memories and/or relationship that will last forever."
In hopes of giving Murray State students a few words of advice, Wallen said, "Don't get caught in trying to define success by society's measures. Decide what your own definition is of success and strive for it."
Fans of the show will see a few differences this season. For the first time Trump hand-picked the cast and according to NBC.com, there will be a new twist involving project managers.
The fourth season of "The Apprentice" premieres at 8 p.m. Thursday on NBC.
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