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Zuhra Totakhail
CST 300
January 21, 2024

Code Crafters

The software developer career is one of the fastest-growing occupations in the industry.

Whether it's a computer application or software quality assurance, there is always a need for

professionals to design, analyze, or test these applications. According to www.bls.gov, the

average growth rate for software developers from 2022 to 2032 is projected to increase 25

percent, while for the other professions, it's only three percent (U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics,

2023). Software developers are responsible for building computer applications that let their users

perform specific tasks and their underlying systems that run the devices or control networks.

Through dedication and the education CSUMB provides, the exciting and fulfilling role is more

accessible to achieve and within reach.

As technology advances day by day, the need for software developers is booming. It is a

fast-paced and ever-evolving field. Demand for skilled developers is high, and job opportunities

are plentiful. Companies across various industries rely on software developers to create and

maintain their digital products. Several companies are actively recruiting software developers

right now. Some popular ones include Apple, Microsoft, Google, Amazon, Meta, and IBM.

Some companies like Amazon hire software developers to create apps and programs to track

sales, manage products, and promote brands. An article written by Gergely Orosz describes how

many software developers Amazon recruits, "Amazon employs more than 70,000 people in tech

roles and over 35,000 software engineers among its workforce of over 1 million employees"

(Orosz, 2022). Software developers play an important role at Amazon by creating programs that

let customers shop, track orders, and get notifications about delivery, which makes shopping
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very convenient. Similarly, people use Meta daily to interact with family and friends. People post

their ideas and like comments on other posts, and thanks to software developers, that gives us the

power to build a stronger community. Companies across various industries rely on software

developers to create and maintain their digital products. As technology continues to rise and our

digital world evolves, software developers have become key players in shaping the future. The

industry offers competitive salaries, flexible work options, and opportunities for career growth. It

is an exciting time to be part of the software development industry.

Apple Inc. is a company that makes people’s lives easier nowadays with their apps and

products. Apple provides a wide range of products and services, including iPhones, Mac

computers, iPads, Apple Watches, and more. They also offer services like Apple Music, iCloud,

Apple TV+, and the App Store. Apple’s main headquarters is a giant ring-shaped building in

Cupertino, California (Owen et al., 2023). Also, according to statistics at www.forbes.com,

Apple has 511 other branches worldwide, and 271 of them are in the United States (McCarthy,

2022). Apple has a large and diverse team working on various aspects of their products and

services and has around 164,000 employees worldwide. Apple is a highly successful company,

and its revenue varies yearly. In 2023, Apple reported a total revenue of over 383.29 billion

(Laricchia, 2023). Apple’s remarkable growth over the years can be attributed to their continuous

stream of innovative products.

Apple’s lineup of products embodies a perfect blend of cutting-edge technology and

elegant design, captivating users worldwide. Apple’s products include the iPhone, iPad, Apple

Watch and MacBook. One of the most iconic products is the iPhone. According to the

www.historycooperative.org website, “With each new generation of the iPhone, Apple has

sought to push their phone to the limits of what is technologically capable” (Jones, 2023).
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Undoubtedly, the iPhone boasts powerful processors, stunning displays, and advanced camera

systems, allowing users to capture memories, stay connected, and enjoy a seamless user

experience. For example, the iPhone 15 showcases Apple’s commitment to sustainability by

utilizing titanium, a durable and environmentally friendly material (Apple Store Online, n.d). In

addition to smartphones, Apple also offers a diverse lineup of computers. The MacBook series,

known for its sleek design and powerful performance, has become a top choice for students,

professionals, and creatives.

Apple's commitment to innovation extends beyond hardware. The company has

developed a robust ecosystem of services and software that enhances the user experience. Apple

services include iCloud, Apple Music, Apple Arcade, Apple News+, and Apple Fitness+.

"iCloud is a data storage and syncing service for Apple users" (Apple Services, 2022). It's a

cloud storage that allows the customer to securely store their photos, videos, and documents

across all Apple services. It's convenient to access your files from anywhere and keep them

backed up. In addition, Apple Music offers a vast library of songs, curated playlists, and

personalized recommendations, allowing users to listen to their favorite music no matter where

they are.

Apple's journey from a humble garage startup to a global tech giant is remarkable. Apple

was invented by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne in April 1976 in Los Altos,

California (Hardy, 2023). The company started in a garage and quickly gained attention with the

release of the Apple I computer. However, the introduction of the Apple II in 1977 put Apple on

the map. Apple has definitely had its highs and lows, just like any other company throughout the

years, but it has consistently pushed the boundaries of technology and design. In 1984, they

released the iconic Macintosh, With its revolutionary graphical user interface, it completely
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transformed the landscape of personal computing. One of Apple's most significant milestones

came in 2001 with the release of the iPod, a portable music player that changed how people

listen to music. This was followed by the revolutionary iPhone in 2007, which redefined the

smartphone industry. Apple continued its innovation streak with the introduction of the iPad in

2010 by bringing a new dimension to the world of tablets. Today, Apple is a global powerhouse

known for its sleek design, user-friendly interfaces, and range of products. With a rich history of

groundbreaking products and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology, Apple has

become one of the world's most influential and recognizable brands.

Although Apple was founded by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne, Jobs

did not serve as the company's first CEO. The first CEO of Apple was Michael Scott. Scott

completed his education at the California Institute of Technology, and Apple II was released

during his leadership. Over the next few years, Apple saw four different CEOs, which resulted in

a $1.7 billion loss (Hallam, 2023). From 1997 to 2011, Steve Jobs led Apple as a chief executive.

He graduated from Homestead High School and then enrolled in Reed College, but he withdrew

after a few months and took some creative classes. During his leadership, Apple invented the

iPod, the new Mac OS X, iTunes, iMac, and the early version of the iPhone (Hallam, 2023). Tim

Cook, the current CEO, has been leading the charge since 2011. He holds a Bachelor of Science

in Industrial Engineering from Auburn University and a Master of Business Administration from

Duke University. Tim has taken Apple to new heights. According to www.theorg.com, "In the

third fiscal quarter of 2011, Apple reported $28.57 billion in revenue. By the third fiscal quarter

of 2021, Apple reported $81.4 billion in sales" (Hallam, 2023). Cook has been an innovator for

Apple! Apple's revenue has tripled since Cook started his strategic vision and operational

expertise, expanded Apple's product lineup, improved supply chain efficiency, and even made
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efforts to address social and environmental issues. These CEOs have left a lasting impact on the

company and its products.

Apple's top sellers are seriously impressive. With its reflective design and advanced

features, the iPhone has continued to be Apple's number-one source of revenue since 2008.

According to the statistics on www.investing.com, Apple's earnings "In the 2022 fiscal year,

Apple surpassed $200 billion in iPhone revenue for the first time, hitting $205 billion"

(Shvartsman, 2023). The iPhone's unique design is a testament to Apple's commitment to

aesthetics and craftsmanship, which continues to hold Apple's fifty percent of its revenue. Even

though Apple invented the Apple Watch, AirPods, and iPads, these products did not diminish the

attractiveness of its iPhones, which still rank as the number one product and have captivated

millions of users worldwide.

Apple has built a strong reputation for providing excellent services and customer support.

"According to NPS Benchmarks, Apple's NPS score in 2022 is a resounding 72, which is

significantly higher than the average NPS score of the consumer electronics industry" (Raileanu,

2022). Apple is known for its exceptional customer satisfaction and dedication to going above

and beyond to ensure customer happiness. Their Net Promoter Score is high because of their

knowledgeable and helpful Apple Support team, easy-to-use online resources, and Apple Store

Genius Bar. Apple truly values their customers and strives to create long-lasting relationships

with them. Apple has a strong reputation as an employer for being a desirable workplace. They

are known for offering competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and a positive work

environment. Apple values diversity and inclusion, fostering a culture that encouraging

creativity, collaboration, and innovation. They provide career growth and professional

development opportunities, making it an attractive choice for those in the software developer
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industry. Apple's commitment to its employees is reflected in their high employee satisfaction

ratings and their recognition as one of the top employers in the tech industry. Apple offers a wide

range of benefits to its employees. Some benefits include competitive salaries, comprehensive

health and wellness programs, retirement plans, employee discounts on Apple products, stock

options, paid time off, parental leave, and educational assistance programs. They also provide

opportunities for career development and advancement within the company. Overall, Apple aims

to create a supportive and rewarding work environment for its employees.

The Apple company is constantly developing, and several current trends are shaping its

future. These trends include the progression of 5G technology, the increasing focus on privacy

and security, the growth of wearables and smart home devices, and the continued advancements

in artificial intelligence and augmented reality. Apple is at the forefront of these trends with their

innovative products and services that cater to these changing consumer demands. It is an exciting

time to be a part of the Apple company.

Software developers play an important role in the increasingly digital world. They are the

masterminds behind the creation, design, and implementation of software applications that

people use every day. These top-notch individuals possess a unique blend of technical skills,

problem-solving abilities, and creativity. One of the critical responsibilities of software

developers is to write code. They use programming languages such as Python, Java, or C++ to

create software that meets specific requirements. This involves analyzing user needs, designing

the software architecture, and writing clean and efficient code that is easy to maintain and

understand. Software developers work with other team members, like designers and project

managers, to ensure the software aligns perfectly with the overall vision and objectives.
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When people search for a job, they are always on the lookout for that extra advantage that

sets them apart from the competition, and CSUMB provides classes that enhance my knowledge

and prepare me for the tech industry. Electives such as CST 311 Introduction to Computer

Networks offer a strong foundation in computer science and information technology and equip

students with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in a future career in the tech industry.

In the same manner, CST 334 Operating System provides a solid understanding of fundamental

concepts related to operating systems, which is a main skill across IT and computer science

roles. In addition, CST 338, Software Design is an intermediate-level programming class that

gears up software developers with techniques for developing large-scale software systems

applying object-oriented programming. In CST 363, the Database Management course focuses

on administrating, designing, and implementing databases that teach working knowledge of

algorithms. Also, CST 383, Introduction to Data Science, is designed to equip students with the

skills to collect data, perform data preprocessing, apply machine learning algorithms, and present

the results visually appealingly. These classes offer valuable knowledge and skills that can open

up exciting opportunities in the tech industry.

Programmers have many ways to gain a competitive advantage in the job market. One

way to do that is by showcasing skills in the field and highlighting expertise. Effectively display

work by creating a portfolio or GitHub repository to demonstrate skills and projects and acquire

practical experience through internships, freelance projects, or personal coding projects.

Attending any tech conferences or meetups related to software development can be a fantastic

way to extend knowledge, network with industry professionals, and remain updated on the latest

trends and advancements in the field. Many conferences offer workshops, keynote speeches, and

networking opportunities that can boost skills and connect with potential employers—network
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with professionals in the industry through meetups, online forums, or LinkedIn. Prepare for

technical interviews by practicing coding challenges and reviewing common interview questions.

With practical experience through internships and freelance projects and by creating a portfolio

that showcases my projects, I will be closer to my ultimate dream job.

The software developer profession is definitely on the rise and has a bright future ahead,

and the possibilities are endless. Studying the Apple company has been incredibly enlightening.

Knowing how Apple's diverse range of products and innovations has shaped the tech landscape

was fascinating. By delving into their strategies, market trends, and customer-centric approach, I

have gained valuable insights into the skills and knowledge required to excel in this industry.

The opportunities to achieve a career as a software developer are boundless. The need for

talented developers is skyrocketing, and with my passion for programming and the knowledge

that I'm gaining through CSUMB courses is setting me up for an exciting and fulfilling career.

The software development field offers constant growth, innovation, and the opportunity to make

a real impact through my work.

References

Apple services: Apple One, Applecare, iCloud (2022) AppleInsider. Available at:
https://appleinsider.com/inside/apple-services (Accessed: 11 January 2024).

Apple Store Online. Apple. (n.d.). https://www.apple.com/store?afid=p238%7CseIEs444j-

Hallam, S. (2023) A look back at all of Apple’s CEOS, THE ORG. Available at:
https://theorg.com/iterate/history-of-apple-ceos#john-sculley-19831993 (Accessed: 12
January 2024).

Hardy, J. (2023) The genesis of genius: Unveiling who invented Apple and when was the icon
created, History Cooperative. Available at: https://historycooperative.org/who-invented-
apple/ (Accessed: 11 January 2024).

Jones, M. (2023) IPhone history: Every generation in timeline order 2007 – 2022, History
Cooperative. Available at: https://historycooperative.org/the-history-of-the-iphone/
(Accessed: 11 January 2024).

Laricchia, F. (2023) Apple Revenue Worldwide 2023, Statista. Available at:

McCarthy, N. (2022) 20 Years on: The global apple store empire [infographic], Forbes.
Available at: https://www.forbes.com/sites/niallmccarthy/2021/05/14/20-years-on-the-
global-apple-store-empire-infographic/?sh=482c9fb94b26 (Accessed: 11 January 2024).

Orosz, G. (2022) Inside Amazon’s engineering culture, Inside Amazon’s Engineering Culture -
by Gergely Orosz. Available at: https://newsletter.pragmaticengineer.com/p/amazon
(Accessed: 11 January 2024).

Owen, M., Gallagher, W. and Orr, A. (2023) Apple Park: Design, history, layout, AppleInsider.
Available at: https://appleinsider.com/inside/apple-park (Accessed: 11 January 2024).

Raileanu , G. (2022) The reasons behind Apple’s customer loyalty and high NPS, Retently.
Available at: https://www.retently.com/blog/apple-nps/ (Accessed: 12 January 2024).

Shvartsman, D. (2023) Apple Inc.: Our Modern-day symbol of knowledge, power, and wealth,
Investing.com. Available at:
https://www.investing.com/academy/statistics/apple-facts/#:~:text=As%20Apple’s
%20most%20popular%20and,50%25%20of%20the%20company’s%20revenue.
(Accessed: 12 January 2024).
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Software developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and testers : Occupational outlook handbook
(2023) U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Available at: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-
and-information-technology/software-developers.htm (Accessed: 10 January 2024).