Company: Apple
Date: 2016-11-07
Overall rating: 4/5
Employment status: current

Technical Specialist
Pros: What's phenomenal about the company is that they truly know how to pick a team and develop it. At Apple, you are not "hired", but rather, "selected", like a piece of a puzzle, to fit in with the rest of the team. 

Apple focuses on developing you through the trials and tribulations in retail. Being good is simply not enough–so, when the opportunity provides itself to help you become the best, it is always taken. Your peers are there to give you feedback. You are there to implement it. Your leaders are there to do the same, but guide you (or lead you) through the process of growth, while ultimately helping you get to the next position in the store. 

A lot of the skills I have learned here at Apple has bled over into my personal life. I am able to focus a lot more (and block out distractions as well, we know how busy it can get) on the things that matter. 

I have learned to think creatively and strategically. 

I have learned how to communicate passionately and effectively.

I have learned to empathize with upset customers and turn situations around.Even if I am unable to turn the situation around, I have learned to calm my inner self to the point where I do not lash out at customers. I am more vulnerable than ever now. 

If you are looking for a great job, a job where you have another family that helps develop you, while making some great money and reaping some great benefits, then this job is for you. This job is NOT for you if you are not passionate, are not vulnerable, do not want to learn, or do not care about helping others grow.

This job is for the go-getters, the doers, the people who want MORE; the people who want to develop, reach new levels, bring others along on the journey (leadership) and learn technical skills/people skills that open your mind to a whole new level of thinking.
Cons: I know, I know, with the above post a lot of people will say, "Oh, this guy must have drunk the Kool Aid. Honestly, it's not even about that. I do love the company I work for, or else, I would have never applied. No company is perfect, however. The job is incredibly demanding, and draining. Keep reading.

For me, I do not work at a flagship, or avenue store. Chances are, you might not either (if you're selected.) So, a lot of times, when heading to work you might feel like "Oh, I just work in the mall. Nothing to see here. Just regular customers."

I can't lie, I have had those thoughts sometimes. But there are ways to help with that. Show up to work a little earlier than expected. maybe 30 minutes. Relax for a bit. get your mind wrapped within the atmosphere. 

Because, truth be told, the job is incredibly demanding...but it's so rewarding. 

Don't be dismayed that you work in a mall. You still work at Apple and you are still enriching lives. It's incredibly fun.

Questions.

Customer's will come in and ask the same questions. Over and over again. And over. And over. Don't get bored. Find new ways to creatively express what iCloud is. Find new ways to show customer's the differences between the iPhones, Macs, or iPads. Let them drive. Don't take over. give them that, and you'll see that they enjoy the interaction more. (I used to be in this section, where you recommend solutions to customers, but have since moved to the Genius Bar.)

As far as the Genius Bar, you will get those customers who are mad. Don't snap on them. Just listen. Let them get it out.  Empathize. Once you listen and stay calm, they become calm. Never match their level. You can't fight fire with fire. Works ALMOST every time. The times that it doesn't work...well, I'll leave that up to you.