Apple

If you get a chance, work in the core groups that deal with iOS, OS X, iTunes, App Store, etc.

Avoid IS&T. IS&T = Information Services and Technology.

1. I worked in the IS&T group at Apple. This IS&T is totally different from the main Apple. I have often heard this: "Those who don't make it into the infinite loop end up at IS&T." In other words, IS&T is a second-rate citizen at Apple. Of course, IS&T supports many IT services (jobs, recruiting, payroll, mail, directory, sales, GBI). For instance, online and retail stores are supported by IS&T.

2. You see 3 contractors for every employee in IS&T. And IS&T has global contracts with Infosys, TCS, Wipro, etc.; the latter companies supply 1 online resource for every 4 offshore resources. In many application support groups, you find the dumbest of the dumb among the people that global offshoring companies have placed.

3. Too much politics and too many lifers in IS&T. The only game in town for IS&T is how to brown-nose each other. Yes, there are too many Indians there; as a consequence, you find smart people among them, and dumbos as well.

4. Advice to prospective employees: if you are talented, and if you can find a better job, just avoid any and every group in IS&T. Someone may say, "Oh, Apple will help you on your resume"; it is half true. If you are smart and talented, you don't need to worry about the Apple factor on your resume.

If you get a job in the core engineering groups, go for it. If you are interviewing in IS&T, just avoid any offer and go and work elsewhere, and increase your skills.

1. If you are applying for some project manager, manager, or team lead (for app support, etc.), of course, you won't have much choice. I don't complain if you go for IS&T, but it is a great place to learn politicking. This politicking has led to more offshoring; why? The more employees you get, the more you need to fight for bonuses for your group; so, it is better to offshore and keep a lesser number of employees and get more bonus.

2. You are not going to get any quarterly bonus; however, people in core groups get such bonuses. Some people don't get their first-year bonus in IS&T. And the bonus is like 7 to 10 percent. Don't come here hoping that you are going to get similar wages as in core engineering groups.

Clean that place called IS&T.