Jobs in reality

I feel sorry for the current seniors who will be graduating in a matter of days. So many of them are still unemployed and have no job leads or sources of income. They are probably feeling hopeless, worried and desperate.

Many of these soon-to-be graduates are putting their dreams on hold and applying for temporary, irrelevant jobs as a way of making money for rent and food while they’re in job limbo. But rather than flipping burgers while they wait for job openings, perhaps they should take the 21st century’s easy way out.

They should break into the reality television world.

There are so many reality shows in production these days, I’m sure there are enough to employ every jobless graduating senior.

Reality shows cover a wide spectrum of topics, meaning these fresh-faced graduates will have the opportunity to be choosy.

If they are asked to join the cast of “The Hills” but are really interested in getting knocked up and fighting with their moms, perhaps they would be better suited for a show like “16 and Pregnant” or “Keeping Up with the Kardashians.”

Reality stars make a substantial chunk of change. Artie Lange, a comedian who is a former heroin and cocaine addict told the New York Post that he was offered $200,000 to be on “Celebrity Rehab.”

I know a few people who could go on that show. Of course the show’s title might have to be changed to something like, “Celebrity and Aspiring Celebrity Rehab.”

The cast of “Jersey Shore” is about to close a deal that would grant each cast member $10,000 per episode.

Come on. There are plenty of Italian-Americans at IU who would be thrilled to “beat up the beat” for American audiences — especially if it means getting paid.

According to CNN.com, the stars of “The Real Housewives of New York City” have been reported negotiating six-figure salaries for the upcoming season.

A six-figure salary is a heck of a lot more than most graduates can expect to make upon entering the workforce.

A job as a reality star is certainly a prosperous one. Especially considering how little these stars have to do to earn all of those zeros on their paychecks.

There is even a show that would allow those Kelley School of Business seniors to put their degrees to use. As contestants on “The Apprentice,” recent graduates would have a huge leg up over their fellow business school graduates. They would have the opportunity to work for Donald Trump himself.

The opportunity to get involved in reality television is underrated. It gives average joes the chance to do something tremendous with their lives.

Those students who are about to graduate are probably feeling smaller and more insignificant than ever. Perhaps 15 minutes of fame is exactly what they need to gain the confidence necessary to take on the real world. 

I would recommend that those seniors without jobs audition to be on “The Real World.” It seems to be the most relevant considering the circumstances.


E-mail: jzaslow@indiana.edu