(Spoilers if you haven’t watched the finale yet.)

Although a fan of reality tv show, this season was the first time I caught Donald Trump’s “The Apprentice”. I liked this season’s twist in that it was held here in CA and in Los Angeles close to where I worked in Century City (a few blocks from Beverly Hills).

Also, my mom would always share anecdotes from The Apprentice – how they solved a problem, set up a project, or how candidates handled team ‘drama’. She thought it might come in useful during the required team projects I did for my MBA classes.

So finally, I caught a few episodes this season (okay, just the premiere, last week’s ep, and tonight’s finale) and really enjoyed it! Tonight’s final episode was held at the Hollywood Bowl (which holds favorite memories for me). Since I was an occasional viewer, I appreciated that they gave a brief overview of the projects they worked on and shared more personal info on the final two characters.

After last week’s projects, I felt Donald Trump made the right decision to select Stefani and James as the final two. Personally, I thought they made the stronger commercial spot and exemplified better team work. I was especially glad to see an empowered woman and an Asian entrepreneur in the final two.

Throughout the evening, both Stefani and James exhibited a lot of class and confidence. I couldn’t imagine having a 13-week ‘job interview’ being broadcast on national television! I don’t think I would have the same composure under the lights, camera, and face-to-face with The Donald. Huge props to all the contestants that made it onto the show.

The jobs that Trump offered were amazing – project manager at either a development in the Caribbean or downtown Atlanta. Incredible opportunities, huge amounts of responsibility, leadership, and know-how needed.

During the final round of questions, I felt that Stefani was a good match for her choice of opportunity pick because she had a background in construction and development law. She also came across as very self-assertive and well-spoken. Her strategy (if it indeed was her strategy) to lay low and not engage in confrontation worked to her benefit. I am excited for her that she was hired!

Line of the night:
“Stinky bums are funny…” Frank, one of the final four finalists

Technorati tags: Apprentice, Trump

By TVJunkie Jenn