I'd Like to Become an Apple Creative...

[WoodrowCall]

I'm currently a high school English teacher, and I'm interested in becoming an Apple Creative, as listed on the Apple career site. I'm really interested in leading groups through the use of various Apple programs and assorted and their uses, but does anyone know much about this career path? I'm in my 6th year of teaching, and I'm just looking at a different challenge. I'm currently pretty weak overall in Apple products, but I wouldn't be looking at making the switch for a year or two, at least. I'd just like to know if anyone can tell me what degree of tech knowledge would be required for a position like this, and I haven't found much out there. Any info would help, thanks.

 

[Blue Velvet]

I'm interested in becoming an Apple Creative, as listed on the Apple career site.

Just to clarify exactly what you mean, would you mind providing a link to the site? What would also be helpful is an idea of the specific direction you're interested in.

For instance, I'm a graphic designer, have trained people and students before in classroom and office settings, used to do some freelance photography... but would never call myself an Apple Creative.

 

[WoodrowCall]

Just to clarify exactly what you mean, would you mind providing a link to the site? What would also be helpful is an idea of the specific direction you're interested in.

For instance, I'm a graphic designer, have trained people and students before in classroom and office settings, used to do some freelance photography... but would never call myself an Apple Creative.

Certainly, the job I'm looking at can be found here:
http://jobs.apple.com/index.ajs?BID=2&method=mHvexternal.showPositionDetails&PID=52

Again, as I said, I'm a certified teacher and I'm looking at this as a possible career choice. I'm currently weak in Apple product knowledge (I have an iPhone 4 and MacBook, but I'm no expert), but I'm willing to put in the time to train and get certified as needed. I just wanted to know if anyone knows anyone or anything related to this field before I begin preparing myself for it.

I enjoy teaching, but I also enjoy technology. I'm thinking my experience as an educator would help me, so long as I get the certifications necessary. Thanks for any possible help; I love this forum!

 

[Blue Velvet]

Certainly, the job I'm looking at can be found here:
http://jobs.apple.com/index.ajs?BID=2&method=mHvexternal.showPositionDetails&PID=52

Thanks, much clearer.

At a cursory glance, you'd be lacking in creative and technical skills and the experience in imparting those to others. For specifically Apple software, you could look at courses and trainer certification for the pro apps. On top of that, I'm guessing that a background or working knowledge with the core apps in the Adobe Creative Suite would be helpful, sometime best started with self-learning through tutorial books, supplemented by college classes. What also wouldn't hurt is good knowledge of all the iLife apps and some additional creative experience in a related field e.g. graphic design, photography, drawing, basic website design, audio production... depending on exactly where your interests lie.

If you leverage some of that training into a training role outside of Apple in tertiary or adult education before attempting to contact Apple, you'd have an even stronger background. My guess is that you might need 2-3 years of experience before contacting Apple, even longer if you still need to keep teaching English. The fastest route for you is possibly working towards, moving horizontally, teaching design and creative technologies at high school level.

 

[steamed.hams]

My guess is that you might need 2-3 years of experience before contacting Apple, even longer if you still need to keep teaching English. The fastest route for you is possibly working towards, moving horizontally, teaching design and creative technologies at high school level.

All of the things that Blue Velvet said are absolutely true.

I just want to chime in with one little observation that I've culled from my recent interviewing experience with apple retail stores: credentials and experience seem to take a backseat to personality!