Here is what some recent graduates had to say about starting their careers at Apple:
"I realize that working for Apple is the pinnacle of many designers' careers, so I feel extremely fortunate to have been hired straight out of college.
I come to the office every morning and feel excited about the day ahead of me. I feel inspired by my co-workers. And my work is so gratifying that I often think to myself, 'I can't believe I get paid to do this!'"
Kourtny, Visual UI Designer
B.F.A., Computer Arts—New Media
Academy of Art University, San Francisco, 2004
"When I was in school, I was usually a member of a group of people trying to solve the same problem. What's really exciting for me is that I get to solve many interesting problems on my own now. And they are not just any problems. They are problems relating to cutting-edge technology.
You'd think the transition would have been sort of frightening and I would feel intimidated. After all, I went from student to full professional almost overnight. I was given a huge amount of responsibility right away, and there I was, from the beginning, working alongside the gurus in my field.
But even if I'm still in the A-B-C stage compared to some of the industry experts I work with, I've never been made to feel like an 'RCG' (recent college graduate). I work as an equal and am part of an awesome team. I have a great manager who communicates with me as often as I need. I always know what's expected. Everyone's doors are open and they remind me that there are no dumb questions.
What I especially love about working at Apple is our focus. We're not just getting a product out the door. We're giving the world the very best product."
Gaurav, System Validation Engineer
M.S., Electrical Engineering
University of Utah, Salt Lake City, 2005
"After finishing college and serving in the Peace Corps, I was wary about working for 'Corporate America.' But when I started working for Apple I realized it was a large company that had the spirit and energy of a small company.
It's refreshing and empowering to work with good people who are as enthusiastic about their work as I am."
Jane, Marketing and Design Lead
B.A., Graphic Design and Photography
University of Notre Dame, 2002
"I have friends who recently started their careers at [other large companies], where the teams are much bigger. They tell me they feel lost in the crowd and are frustrated because they are doing work that isn't so important. At Apple, things are different. The teams are small and everyone has a huge role. I was given a great deal of responsibility from Day 1. And I was working on real products from Day 1.
Oh, and having come from Ann Arbor, I must say: The weather is fantastic here in Cupertino! In general, I'm just really happy to be here in the Bay Area, working at Apple."
Sayli, QuickTime Engineer
M.S.E., Computer Science and Engineering
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, 2004
"After graduating, I was excited to join the real world—and also really nervous. I was worried that I would lose the flexibility and the freedom I enjoyed during college. But everything about my experience at Apple has been wonderful and I've been able to transition easily from college into the role of full-time employee.
The engineering community at Apple is not only incredibly talented, but very approachable. The door is always open. Also, most, if not all, managers in engineering are highly technical and work closely with their direct reports in addition to taking care of their other managerial responsibilities.
Although Apple is growing by leaps and bounds, the company is very adaptable and light on its feet.
And every day brings new and challenging problems to work on."
Wilson, Mac OS X Engineer
M.S., Computer Science
UC Santa Barbara, 2005