For TCU alumnus Clint Robertson, getting second place on “The Apprentice” was not as disappointing as one might think. Instead, he said he received hundreds of offers within hours after the season finale.

“The Apprentice,” a TV show hosted by Donald Trump, provides 16 contestants the opportunity to work for Trump himself. Through various challenges, the contestants are assessed by Trump to determine who will be the only one to not hear his famous words, “You’re fired.”

Robertson, who graduated from TCU in 1992, said that going to college at TCU and law school at SMU taught him how to work with people.

“In life, whether it’s “The Apprentice’ or whether it’s your personal relationships at work, home, your friends, wherever you are, life is mainly about learning how to deal with people,” he said.

Pam Stoker, assistant director for the Neeley Graduate Career Service Center, agreed that communication skills are what make a difference for a prospective employee when trying to obtain a desired job.

“It doesn’t matter how smart you are if you can’t communicate what you can do for an employer,” Stoker said.

Robertson also believes that another aspect that prospective employees need to do is think of themselves as walking billboards.

“You are a walking advertisement for yourself,” he said. “You’re your best advertisement.”

Robertson used his communication and self-advertising skills to go from one of thousands of applicants to one of 16 contestants.

According to Robertson’s website, Robertson sold his house and belongings months before he auditioned for the show to survive after the companies he worked for had a financial crisis.

Even though he, along with the thousands of people who waited in line, had a small chance to appear on the show, he said he never gave up hope.

Despite the odds, it was an opportunity for him to find a job, he said, and a door opened to help him.

“When that door came, you bet I jumped through it,” Robertson said.

However Robertson was not the only one given an opportunity to have a job. With the hundreds of offers he received, he referred two people he knew for jobs that were not fit for him.

“It’s a tough economy for everyone, not just me and real estate,” he said. “It’s tough for everyone and you gotta help everyone 8212; you can help someone 8212; because a lot of people helped me.”

Today, Robertson will be in Fort Worth at Castleberry High School. In the morning he will speak to students and at night, to the rest of the public. The public to ask him questions about his journey before, during and after competing on “The Apprentice.”

Who: TCU alumnus and “The Apprentice” competitor Clint Robertson

Where: Castleberry High School

215 Churchill Road

Fort Worth, TX 76114

When: 6:30 p.m.

The event is free and open to the public.