Apple: High in Fiber Fruit or Successful Tech Company?

Hannah Balogun - BA Graphic and Media Design
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To kick of my DPS year, I got a job at Apple HQ, the place where the magic happens. Every time I tell someone I'm working at Apple they are both shocked and happy for me, and I won't pretend like it's always been my dream job because first of all, I was planning to work somewhere more printmaking based to help explore my love of things like Letterpress and printmaking, and second of all, I never thought I had anything to really offer Apple being more into the handmade as apposed to the digital. However I think my portfolio showcased a bit of both worlds, and now I'm here.

Now I've always been team Samsung, I grew up in a family of Android lovers until joining GMD at University forced me to give Apple a chance, and yes, I love everything about my Apple Mac and MacBook Pro, but will I ever switch to an iPhone? Probably not. I have my reasons for walking in everyday with my Samsung Galaxy 8 in my pocket, however working at Apple, being introduced to what they do apart from making gadgets, seeing how the thought process and their design decisions help build their brand is both amazing and interesting. I may just have to convert one day. Moreover, I find the whole situation quite ironic, working at Apple whilst using a Samsung, but I think it also just shows that this whole experience was never planned, but I'm grateful that I've been given this opportunity. 

What's it like working at Apple? It honestly feels like a normal company, rows one rows of desks, computers, and for the first week I was sitting next to a draw filled with sweets and m&m's (curtesy of the previous intern) - so yes, the usual, everyone is lovely and I basically have a unlimited green tea's and cappuccino's. In terms of what I actually do, I've been assisting the creative team on various visuals and presentations, along with working on the design of internal communications for print and digital outcomes. However overall, it's mostly just the experience off seeing what my future as a graphic designer could possibly look like - sometimes it's busy, sometimes I have nothing to do, but that was only the first week after all.

It's also been interesting to see how a big company operates, especially one like Apple. I've always turned away from the idea of working in a big company with the fear of not being able to actually make a contribution as a designer, especially because my previous 2 week internship was a lot different as I was working with a smaller company of 4 people, which meant I had a lot more responsibility and even though it was a little intimidating at first, I became more confident in knowing that my team actually trusted in my skills and didn't just employ me for the sake of it, and this also applies with Apple. I probably won't play a huge role in some of their larger projects, but I'm still being given opportunities that allow me to learn new skills and ways of looking at aspects of design, as well as really seeing the idea that everyone has a role to play face to face.

Visit my personal blog to see more of what I'm getting up to: https://hbalo02.wixsite.com/hannahbalogunblog