So You Want To Work For Apple? Part One of Many

As many of you know, this website and video network was founded by former Apple employees. Often, people ask us what it's like working at Apple. Well, that's a topic for several blog entries. Another frequent question: "What did you learn while working at Apple to use in the future?" This question usually comes from people considering a job at an Apple Store. Often, their first job out of college. Jamie and I tackled this question in a recent Root Access episode (below).

In general though, here are a few things about working in Apple Retail:
1. You don't have to work for a company because you like it. I remember before working at Apple the countless hours spent checking out the latest Apple news and rumors. A task that was much harder and far fringier in those days. Working for Apple though, certainly took away some of the magic and mystique.

2. If you have technical skills, consider your options. While Mac Geniuses are decently paid by retail standards, if you truly have a grasp of the technical side of things, you could make far more outside of Apple, or even inside Apple in another capacity.

3. Apple Retail isn't the farm league for Apple corporate. While I know many people who've made the leap from Apple retail to "real" Apple, it is a tough road, especially for those who aren't on the programming side. Initially, working for Apple will get your foot in the door, in terms of things like visiting Cupertino (if you're a genius) and yes, there are stories of potential geniuses who were snatched up, and brought on to engineering teams while attending genius training. This is NOT the norm. My rule of thumb would be, if you work at an Apple Store for 18 months and don't see a path to another part of Apple, get out. I personally know three people who ended up in Cupertino by working in retail, then taking my advice and leaving, before getting the call to corporate.

4. If you're retired, think twice. For older Apple fans, the store can look like a fun, and energetic way to spend a few days a week if you're looking to get out of the house. I would strongly advise visiting the store multiple times to get a feel for the actual demands of the store. Some stores are laid back, while others are, in nicest terms, a zoo. Just know what you're getting into.

The bottom line is, if you're looking to start a lasting career, it's nice to have Apple on your resume, but don't expect it to work wonders. And unless you want to develop a career in retail, get out at about the 18 month mark.

Personally, I worked for Apple for about three years. In that time, I was able to change jobs three times, and even helped with some special internal projects. By that time, it was clear there wasn't any sense in staying unless I wanted to continue in retail, which if that's your thing, then fine.

Also know that depending on the crew in your store, it could be one of the most entertaining jobs you'll ever have. It can be hell at the mall too, sometimes with the same people... Look for more in a future blog post.

To all Apple Employees, Thank You

Long before I got into the Apple punditry business (gosh, it seems like it was just last November...) I was an Apple employee, just like many people who are now working here at The Digital Lifestyle. Today a large part of our time is dissecting Apple's products, decisions, and culture; turning a critical eye on the company.

I wanted to take a moment though, to thank the thousands of people who work, and have worked for Apple. It's easy for us to take a look at what's wrong with a product or policy, but we never want to lose sight of the amazing job you do. A product like the iPhone comes along, and as is human nature, we immediately look for what's wrong or missing. It's important to remember just how game-changing and innovative the products can be. Look at cell phones for example. How many cell phones were touting touchscreens last June? Today everyone wants to build their version of the iPhone. Just as you did with the iPod, (another product that was initially panned by many, myself included) you showed us the future. You gave us a device beyond anything else. You took functions many devices already had, and made them more stylish, intuitive, and appealing than ever before. It's a heritage that goes all the way back to that first Apple I.

So at the risk of sounding like of one of those old beer commercials, here's to you Apple employees! I know it's not just the engineers. It's not just the designers. It's everyone who works in any capacity that makes it all possible, and makes our relatively easy job as technology critics possible as well.

Keep up the great work!

From Within The Loop: An inside look at Apple

In this installment of From Within The Loop I bring you an inside look into Apple culture. What’s it like to work in Cupertino? Is it true that employees work from 11am to 4pm? Is there a dress code or can you wear whatever you want? Well I’m here to dish the dirt and tell you how it is.

Apple is famous for it’s address, 1 Infinite Loop. It’s also part of the fabled Silicon Valley corporate culture. What I can tell you is that it’s not all fun and games. Like any other company employees get to work in the morning, I’d say most by 9am and leave at 5 or 6 in the evening. Pretty standard.

What isn’t standard . . . volley ball and basketball games during lunch time. Most notably in the spring and summer months, you can find Apple employees enjoying a game of volleyball on the ‘quad’ or taking up a basketball game on the court. Apple also has a sand volleyball court, but I’ve never actually seen anyone using it.

Can anyone find that employee handbook, I can’t seem to figure out what to wear . . . I couldn’t find it either. Apple employees dress however they want. Jeans and t-shirts are pretty much standard, and shorts in the summer are a must. Apple doesn’t care what you wear as long as you’re doing good work, and that’s the way it should be.

Corporate America should take some cues from Apple. Keep your employees happy and they’ll continually do amazing work. Apple gets it. When you spend more hours of your day at work than at home there should be something inherently fun about it. If goofing off for two hours to get a game of volleyball in yields the next iPhone like device I’d say it’s money well spent....