Unreasonable to think someday I could be a VP at Apple?

[Appledev24]

Hi, I'm currently 14 and, of course, I have a huge passion for Apple and technology. I have 14 good apps on the iOS App Store, and another big one coming out soon. I'm currently working for a company as a summer job, more specifically making a few different apps for them, and they are helping to me to expand my knowledge a lot more in the C language and databases. And I was just admitted to a high school that gets kids into MIT and Stanford. I swear, not trying to brag or anything, I have much better things to do. I'm just trying to give you a perspective of my life. And I'm not some weirdo who sits in front of a computer all day. I have a social life and was captain of my hockey team, all the pale weirdos can work for Microsoft. So is it unreasonable to think that IF I get into Stanford or MIT, and get an internship at Apple for the summer, or whatever the maximum amount of time is, I could be hired out of college? Not as a VP of course, but something down lower. And then eventually climb up the ladder to the top? How long do you think it would take to become part of Apple's Special 100 Group? Of course I'll display an even deeper passion and work overtime or whatever it takes to get noticed, since work is play.

I just want your opinion. It absolutely doesn't matter if you've worked for Apple or not, I just want your thoughts. Thanks!

 

[alust2013]

I suppose anything's possible. The best way to get good positions is networking. Sometimes knowing the right people will be more important in getting a position than having the perfect resume. That's not to say that hard work isn't required either. But hey, if you've got the drive and the skills and that's what you want, go for it. Even if you don't get a position at Apple, with that kind of attitude, you'll certainly get somewhere good.

 

[Apple OC]

you are just one of 10s of thousands of bright young minds ... keep working to learn and be better ... anything is possible with hard work and ambition.

best of luck to you

 

[cantthinkofone]

You have plenty of time. I think most of the board members started out as being management with other companies and then worked their way in or were selected by Apple. Networking as alust said is very important. Stay out of big trouble and make some friends in high places. Your at a good spot in life to start deciding what you want to do in life. Good luck.

 

[Theclamshell]

Anything is possible. And I like your writing. It's not what I expected from a 14 year old. (in a good way) Just keep working hard and follow your passion. You never know what the future holds.

 

[MBP13]

Steve Jobs nor Woz went to Stanford or MIT so big Ivy League colleges may not mean a thing to Apple Inc.

 

[maflynn]

Steve Jobs nor Woz went to Stanford or MIT so big Ivy League colleges may not mean a thing to Apple Inc.

While they did not, I can bet you that you'll not get too far in any corporation without a degree at this point.

 

[kdarling]

A VP is all about getting products done on time and on budget. That means managing people, time, money, supplies and metrics.

Unfortunately, it also usually requires going through many management levels of being a "Yes Man" to get there, with plenty of CYA and self-promotion involved. It's a dog eat dog world out there. People are not promoted on ability alone, but on the perception their bosses have of them.

Depending on what you want to be VP of, technical knowledge isn't even necessarily a big requirement. Look at Jobs. He's never designed a circuit or programmed anything, but he talks a good sales talk and makes sure that he has talented people to actually get things done.

 

[sishaw]

Anything is possible. You already have some nice accomplishments. Keep it up! You may find that eventually you set your sights even higher.

 

[roadbloc]

Good luck I guess.

 

[jackc]

Sure it's possible. And I think there's a good chance that in 5 years you'll have no desire to be an Apple VP. Just keep doing what you're doing.

 

[GoCubsGo]

Sure it's possible. And I think there's a good chance that in 5 years you'll have no desire to be an Apple VP. Just keep doing what you're doing.

That is a good point. At 14 you have a great goal but things could change down the line and your sights could be set higher.

 

[kingtj]

True, but ....

When you look at things historically, quite a few founders of companies that went onto be significant were people who didn't have college degrees. That includes Bill Gates / Microsoft, Steve Jobs / Apple, and many others.

Degrees are great if you want to go to work at existing businesses and excel there. They're pretty meaningless if you're STARTING your own business. (In fact, I'd even go so far as to argue that they're a hindrance for a "self starter". #1, you spent 4+ years at an institution telling you how to do things instead of just "winging it" with everything and in the process, occasionally thinking way "outside the box", which sometimes winds up being a key to success. #2, you lose all that time you could be working on building up your business and you start out in debt with student loans to pay back.)

While they did not, I can bet you that you'll not get too far in any corporation without a degree at this point.