MEDIA CONTACT: Andrew LaPlant
561-297-3022, alaplant@fau.edu

FAU Embarks on Reality TV

BOCA RATON, FL (October 14, 2004) – Does the process of applying for a corporate job sound like exciting material for a new reality television show? Florida Atlantic University’s Career Development Center in Broward thinks so and is ready to try its hand at “Reality Bites - The Real Corporate Experience,” a college reality television event that prepares FAU juniors, seniors or graduate students for future employment.

In order to participate, FAU students were required to submit an application that included a current job posting of a position that is applicable to their major, a resume and a videotape of them explaining their qualifications for a corporate job. Once the six finalists were selected, they received feedback regarding their application. Now, the finalists will be filmed as they participate in a business wardrobe shopping experience, business luncheon, company tour and job interviews.

The final taping, which will include closing interviews with the six finalists, will be on Monday, October 18 at 5 p.m. in the FAU Davie Campus Auditorium, 2912 College Avenue. The winner will receive business-related gifts, including a laptop computer, career coaching, a business outfit and professional image consulting.

“Reality Bites will allow students to gain practical experience in activities that are a part of the job search process, while connecting them to employers in our business community,” said Carolyn Stewart, associate director at the Career Development Center. “At FAU, we pride ourselves in using a holistic approach to learning and apply these principles in preparing our students to meet the needs of our community and employers.”

There are a number of companies sponsoring the event, including Merrill Lynch, SYMS, JM Family Enterprises, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, ManPower, Intermedia Marketing, Dillard’s, Bonefish Grill and DELL. “Reality Bites – The Real Corporate Experience” will be broadcast on OWL TV.

For more information on the Real Corporate Experience event, contact Carolyn Stewart at 954-236-1214.

-FAU-