I received the email yesterday evening.
After a day where my current workplace was shifting around my responsibilities in a less-than-pleasant arrangement, I got an email from the Apple recruiter I had emailed some time ago about the new Apple Store at the Providence Place Mall. Now, I wasn’t particularly motivated to leave my current job, since although my new duties aren’t what I was expecting, we had talked turkey yesterday afternoon about my new salary, which wasn’t anything to sneeze at. Still, I figured, let me send him my resume and see what he has to say.
Today, he called.
We went over my resume and job experience, as well as my personal experience with Apple and Macs. Then I received a ten-question technical test which I scored a 9 out of 10 on. (I didn’t know what an SMU is, but I do now!) Then I had to ask about training, benefits, and finally pay. I have to say, I liked the answers.
Training
My training for the position of Mac Genius involves a paid week of home study, followed by several weeks at Apple in Cupertino, CA. All expenses paid, of course - flight, hotel, car, food. While there, I would receive training on Apple Retail Atmosphere, as well as get Mac Certified (also paid for). After returning to Providence, I would work at a local store alongside other Mac Geniuses to get acclimated to the retail environment with my new knowledge. Then, attend the opening ceremony at Providence, and be a full time Genius! Heck, the trip and certification alone is pretty amazing - and it’s all paid for, as well as “on the clock”!
Benefits
While not as good as my benefits at Brown, they do offer full medical, dental, and optical, as well as a matching 401(k) and employee stock purchase plan. Also, I get a discount on Apple products which is better than the one I get now. Plus... I’ll be working at Apple. That is cool.
Compensation
This is where I was concerned... working in a retail environment, I know, does not pay very well. Still, I was willing to hear the man out on salary. Paid hourly, this is about 45% over what I make at Brown. That is more than double what my new raise is. I am impressed. All that, to work for a company I love and to work with products I love.
I haven’t made any hard decisions yet, but come interview time, I will certainly have made up my mind. It’s a big step, with a lot of factors involving more than just salary. Regardless of all that, wish me luck and prayers, please. It’s nice to have options.
Friday, June 9, 2006
Just call me a genius... a Mac Genius.
