Apple has created a new job position for its retail stores that will fill a double role of service and training. The new Family Room Specialist will eventually be an entry-level position, although initially it’s being filled by applications from existing employees. These Specialists will provide One to One training sessions, and also provide Genius Bar service for iPods and iPhones. The position will fit between the existing Specialist and Genius/Creative positions, and may have career tracks into those positions. Apple expects to eventually have up to 75 percent of iPod/iPhone appointments handled by this new position.
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I don’t understand how this can be an entry level position when you are doing 3 different jobs. You have to be a genius, a creative, and specialist, all of which are full time jobs by themselves. I’m sure they’ve done plenty of reasearch, but I can’t wait to see how this works out.
It’s clearly a cost-cutting measure. They can probably get two of these guys for the price of one more trained Genius. No doubt they spun it to the staff as a career path or some other pipe dream. The bar has devolved into serving quantity over quality and this one more hint of what’s to come.
i agree. definitely a cost cutting measure.
The Family Room Specialist will be Entry Level to the family room. The FRP will start off doing iPod/iPhones at the iPod Bar then will move in to the Getting Started and basic training sessions. Once the Management team feels the FRP is ready and a position opens in the side they show strength in, the FRP will be given an opportunity to become either a Creative or Genius.
Family Room Specialist = iPod/iPhone Genius + Creative
Family Room Specialist ? Specialist
It is about flexibility. Sometimes a person comes to the bar for tech support when what they really need is training. Also instead of a creative sitting around for an hour waiting for their next appointment, they can be helping out at the bar.
As a former Lead Genius, I can’t help but roll my eyes. Apple is cutting costs and the respect out from under Geniuses all over the place