Mac Genius position at the Apple Store
I applied to be a Mac Genius. Are most Geniuses "Mac Certified", and is that really a leg up? Also, I don't have a computer science degree, I have an degree in environmental science. However, I'm obviously a Mac dork, and considering jumping into this position and staying there. (Yeah, I still have a Color Classic.)
I've had some career reflection recently and I want a job that I like. I actually don't mind helping people, even irate customers. I've had a few retails jobs in college and high school. So I'm applying to do this full or part time, in addition to the Specialist. And I upgrade my own machines and trouble-shoot OS X, usually after I muck it up myself. Would this kind of "informal" experience be enough?
I've read that the salary is decent for the Genius. I hope I'll get invited to the "group interview" I've read about. Anyone here applied or work at the Store? Any advice they'd care to give out in anonymity such as interview tips?
I've had some career reflection recently and I want a job that I like. I actually don't mind helping people, even irate customers. I've had a few retails jobs in college and high school. So I'm applying to do this full or part time, in addition to the Specialist. And I upgrade my own machines and trouble-shoot OS X, usually after I muck it up myself. Would this kind of "informal" experience be enough?
I've read that the salary is decent for the Genius. I hope I'll get invited to the "group interview" I've read about. Anyone here applied or work at the Store? Any advice they'd care to give out in anonymity such as interview tips?
Comments
I applied to be a Mac Genius. Are most Geniuses "Mac Certified", and is that really a leg up? Also, I don't have a computer science degree, I have an degree in environmental science. However, I'm obviously a Mac dork, and considering jumping into this position and staying there. (Yeah, I still have a Color Classic.)
I've had some career reflection recently and I want a job that I like. I actually don't mind helping people, even irate customers. I've had a few retails jobs in college and high school. So I'm applying to do this full or part time, in addition to the Specialist. And I upgrade my own machines and trouble-shoot OS X, usually after I muck it up myself. Would this kind of "informal" experience be enough?
I've read that the salary is decent for the Genius. I hope I'll get invited to the "group interview" I've read about. Anyone here applied or work at the Store? Any advice they'd care to give out in anonymity such as interview tips?
Well first off, Apple is gonna have you trouble shoot according to their ideas, at least until it becomes unsolvable. They aren't gonna just let everyone that comes along take over the Genius Bar, and run it to suit themselves. Maybe you qualify, and maybe you don't, Apple will let you know if you fit into THEIR company.
I applied to be a Mac Genius. Are most Geniuses "Mac Certified", and is that really a leg up? Also, I don't have a computer science degree, I have an degree in environmental science. However, I'm obviously a Mac dork, and considering jumping into this position and staying there. (Yeah, I still have a Color Classic.)
I've had some career reflection recently and I want a job that I like. I actually don't mind helping people, even irate customers. I've had a few retails jobs in college and high school. So I'm applying to do this full or part time, in addition to the Specialist. And I upgrade my own machines and trouble-shoot OS X, usually after I muck it up myself. Would this kind of "informal" experience be enough?
I've read that the salary is decent for the Genius. I hope I'll get invited to the "group interview" I've read about. Anyone here applied or work at the Store? Any advice they'd care to give out in anonymity such as interview tips?
Hi all, I too am considering Genius or Specialist, though I have decided to go with Specialist.
The certifications they talk about are something like this:
http://training.apple.com/certification/acsp (I have this, if you read the book for you it should be ok)
For more "technicians" and AASP (Apple Authorized Service Provider) kinda stuff...
http://training.apple.com/certification/acmt
For server stuff
http://training.apple.com/certification/acsa
For US I am not sure about the Apple Store Genius what exactly they look for. UK I have applied for Specialist.
Right now I am at an Apple Premium Reseller store in Malaysia, which has let's just say an alarming lack of certified people. ("What is the yellow light blinking on this Time Capsule")
I'm only focusing on normal OS X Leopard stuff and iLife and iWork... Not so hardcore into server, hardware fixing or pro apps right now.
Well first off, Apple is gonna have you trouble shoot according to their ideas, at least until it becomes unsolvable. They aren't gonna just let everyone that comes along take over the Genius Bar, and run it to suit themselves. Maybe you qualify, and maybe you don't, Apple will let you know if you fit into THEIR company.
...I've read that the salary is decent for the Genius. I hope I'll get invited to the "group interview" I've read about. Anyone here applied or work at the Store? Any advice they'd care to give out in anonymity such as interview tips?
It is funny, the culture may be a certain way in the Apple US, Apple UK, etc. If you read the official books for certification you'll get a feel of the steps they suggest when troubleshooting. If you feel that those steps are valid, perhaps more likely you'll fit into the culture.
I applied to be a Mac Genius. Are most Geniuses "Mac Certified", and is that really a leg up? Also, I don't have a computer science degree, I have an degree in environmental science. However, I'm obviously a Mac dork, and considering jumping into this position and staying there. (Yeah, I still have a Color Classic.)
I've read that the salary is decent for the Genius. I hope I'll get invited to the "group interview" I've read about. Anyone here applied or work at the Store? Any advice they'd care to give out in anonymity such as interview tips?
Do not fail to smile.
If it's a reasonably high flow store, there are undoubtedly many people with the Apple certs applying for the Genius positions.
Personally, I found the Specialist position highly stimulating because I never seem to tire of helping someone with the switch and talking about the product line. But: it is a sales job and sometimes has some frustrating pressures that come with the nature of the retail goals.
Probably not supposed to say anything at all really, but it was the most interesting employer of my life so far. If their products' cleverness makes you smile, you will likely find ideas behind the scenes that are ridiculously well-thought-out, too. It's rewarding to work for a company that is totally on top of its game like that.
Good luck.
...Probably not supposed to say anything at all really, but it was the most interesting employer of my life so far. If their products' cleverness makes you smile, you will likely find ideas behind the scenes that are ridiculously well-thought-out, too. It's rewarding to work for a company that is totally on top of its game like that. Good luck.
As longer term through the year, yeah, I guess retail targets can be stressful. I'm at an Apple Premium Reseller at the moment. This reseller I am with though, is at the *bottom* of its game. A sinking boat, really.
Fantastic posts, thanks. I was considering doing the Genius thing. However, I think I'll settle for part-time Specialist and get a feel for working at The Store. Is it possible to work your way to Genius from Specialist if you demonstrate good customer service and Mac knowledge? Also, I talked to a Manager and they said they don't have part-time Geniuses. That's too bad--I would have been interested in that. Oh come on spill someone in here has to work for the Store! Although if you want to be secret that's understandable, this place is pretty high profile. I bet Steve Jobs actually drops by before MWSF to laugh at outrageous rumors. Come on you know he does.
My acquaintance at Regent St said she went from part-time sales to Specialist and now she's a Genius.
Once you're in a Apple Store or Apple Premium Reseller you'll probably see the pattern of product launches if you are involved with the back-of-store or inventory/ ordering operations.
However, hell, even Apple employees at Cupertino have no idea what new stuff is coming out...! LOL
However, I think I'll settle for part-time Specialist and get a feel for working at The Store...
That is *definitely* my strategy at the moment. See how things flow first. The spark in my day has been when I learn something new from a friend, and/or seeing that person/ customer's face light up when they are like, "OMFG I never new that...".
Some may think it dreary but for one year I haven't really tired of occasionally helping open and arrange boxes of shiny new Apple stuff.
Such a waste though, the Premium Reseller I'm at now, they really had so much potential... Brilliant but arrogant management that got too smart for their own good.
How long does it take to become a genius after being a specialist?