Apple has kicked off a new program to find up and coming marketing talent. So far, the Cupertino firm hasn’t widely promoted the “Orchard” program, other than a teaser page on its website, and listings on its “Jobs at Apple” page.
The moment is now. Throw everything you know out the window. All in. Head first. Join the Orchard. If you’re lucky enough to make the cut, expect to surround yourself with like-minded souls who are as terrified and excited as you are. Be part of a hand-picked team with a plethora of talent. Kick ass together. Panic together. Grow together. Work alongside the brains of all the iconic work you love from Apple. Watch and learn. Trust your gut. Challenge our ways. Have an impact on everything you touch. Be prepared to stumble and fumble and embarrass yourself. It will be messy, and it won’t be pretty at times, but if you stick together as a team, you’ll build a special bond and something truly great will come out of it all. Take it from us. It’s the only way. Does this whole proposal sound crazy to you? Good. We like crazy.
The program will consist of 10 participants: 4 Art Directors, 4 Copywriters, and 2 Strategic Planners.
Orchard’s first iteration will run for six months, and offer the select participants the chance to work with Apple’s marketing communications team. The program is intended for those with 0 to 3 years experience.
The Orchard is an innovative, creative program in the Marketing Communications (Marcom) group at Apple. Its mission is to bring together a talented and diverse group of up-and-coming creatives to learn and grow with professionals at Apple. Participants will collaborate with Apple creatives, producers, and planners in the communication of Apple products and the Apple brand. The Orchard is dedicated to mutual learning and the growth of the next generation of Apple thinkers and creators.
The program will offer a set curriculum, mentoring, and applied Apple projects. It will include enrichment opportunities and sessions with leaders of Apple departments outside Marcom. The inaugural program will last six months.
Applicants will be required to submit a cover letter, a resume, and examples of “design, marketing, or advertising work that demonstrates their talent and passion for communication.”
Key Qualifications
- 0-3 years experience or education in an appropriate creative communications discipline
- Ability to demonstrate creative work samples that align with the work that Marcom produces for Apple and explain the thinking behind them
- Demonstrate strong teamwork and collaboration
- Strong communication skills
- Detail Oriented
- Demonstrate flexibility and an ability to navigate ambiguity
- Curious with a strong desire to learn
- Strong organizational skills
The company will accept applications from October 3 to November 4. A selection committee will review all applications, and will screen applicants via FaceTime. Finalists will be flown to Apple’s Cupertino headquarters in December, and will participate in one-on-one interviews. If selected, participants will receive an offer from Apple for a six-month engagement beginning on January 16, 2017, through August 25, 2017, and be given a competitive base salary and a relocation package. All applicants must be able to present US work authorization in order to be considered.
For more information about the Orchard program, and its requirements, visit the Apple “Orchard” webpage, and the “Jobs at Apple” site.
